Frenchman Louis Saha scored twice to send Fulham back to the top of the First Division.

With Watford stuttering at Tranmere, Cottagers boss Jean Tigana could forget the dismal English weather and celebrate another well-deserved win on the road.

But it was not all about Tigana's aristocratic imports as terrace darling Barry Hayles showed with his late goal after coming off the bench.

Saha made it sweet 16 goals this season with a powerful first-half effort that slid past Dons keeper Kelvin Davis off the wet surface.

Then the Frenchman doubled his tally for the match with a sure-footed penalty that left the sprawling Davis with no chance.

Fulham simply outclassed a toothless Wimbledon side who had no answer to the pace and finishing of visitors' in-form striker.

Saha terrorised the Dons defence for the entire match, starting with a second-minute run which carved open a chance that strike partner Luis Boa Morte blasted high into the crowd.

Boa Morte's contribution to the match consisted of two wasteful efforts wide of goal and being dragged down in the box by Alan Kimble to provide the penalty on the hour.

Surely Tigana cannot ignore Hayles' case for automatic selection much longer.

He combined well with Saha almost immediately after coming on, only for the striker to shoot straight at Davis.

Then with five minutes to go, Hayles started and finished the move that gave the Wimbledon terrace boo-boys their excuse after converting Lee Clark's centre.

John Hartson was the only Wimbledon player to make his mark, forcing three scrambling saves from the impressive Maik Taylor.

His low drive from a 20th-minute free-kick came close, while an 80th-minute headed effort was undoubtedly his side's best chance of the game.

As for the rest of the Dons' front men, they could do with some French lessons from Saha.

[ --- news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1016753.stm]