EVERTON clinched fifth place in the Barclays Premier League and warmed up for next week’s FA Cup final with a comfortable victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Two goals from Leon Osman, one in each half, was enough to earn the Toffees all three points against a lacklustre Fulham.

But the home side still ended the season on a high note as Tottenham’s defeat at Liverpool enabled them to finish seventh and secure a place in the new Europa League next season.

It was a remarkable transformation for the west London side who narrowly escaped relegation to the Coca Cola Championship last season.

Manager Roy Hodgson was given a standing ovation before the kick-off, but his side failed to rise to the occasion and struggled to make any impact against the FA Cup finalists.

Indeed Fulham had a lucky escape as early as the third minute when a cross from Osman was headed against the cross bar by Louis Saha.

Three minutes later Mark Schwarzer was forced to dive low to his right to keep out a 20-yard shot from Jack Rodwell.

Fulham’s first real opportunity arrived in the 10th minute when a low cross from Erik Nevland just eluded Zoltan Gera at the far post.

Five minutes later a lovely curling cross from Paul Konchesky was met at the far post by Gera but his header was well saved by Tim Howard.