Sunderland gained a second away win of the season to virtually guarantee their top flight status next time round whilst seemingly dooming the London side to Championship football next season.
Danny Collins nodded the in form visitors ahead just before half-time and substitute Michael Chopra doubled their lead with a clever lob just after the break.
Fulham substitute David Healy fired home from 20 yards on 73 minutes to give his team mates and manager Roy Hodgson some hope but Kenwyne Jones replied almost instantly.
Fulham remain six points from safety with just five games remaining.
