READING, England (AFP) - Fulham kept alive their slender hopes of avoiding relegation and finally ended their away-day misery with a 2-0 win at Reading on Saturday.

Roy Hodgson's side claimed their first league victory on their travels since September 2006 thanks to goals from Brian McBride and Erik Nevland.

The Cottagers hit the woodwork three times and could have won by more but they will settle for a result which leaves them four points behind fourth bottom Birmingham. With four matches still to play a great escape is possible if they keep playing like this.

Reading are far from certain to stay up after a defeat that leaves them three points above the drop zone.

Steve Coppell's team had looked like climbing out of trouble in recent weeks. They should have been ahead early on when John Oster and Liam Rosenior combined down the right but Shane Long's miscued shot trickled wide.

But Fulham have improved since American international McBride returned from a lengthy injury lay-off and the American striker was only denied a clear shot by Andre Bikey's tackle.

McBride had served notice of his threat but the warning went unheeded. In the 24th minute Simon Davies crossed from the left for McBride to stab home from close range.

Coppell's side should have been level before half-time but Kevin Doyle headed wide when he should at least have hit the target.

Fulham were close to extending their lead when Healy teed up McBride but his volley struck the crossbar.

Brede Hangeland struck the woodwork as the visitors searched for a second goal and their luck was out again when Bullard's free-kick slammed back off a post.

But Reading were too nervous to take advantage and Nevland put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. Davies was the provider again as his astute pass picked out Nevland and the former Manchester United striker finished well to give Fulham a lifeline.