TOTTENHAM registered their second 3-1 Premier League win in a row by seeing off the challenge of Fulham.

The result flattered Spurs, who looked decidedly second best for long periods of the game and were well short of their best.

However it was more clinical finishing that saw Spurs through, with first half goals from Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale sending them out in front.

Brad Friedel had a busy afternoon as Fulham relentlessly piled forward trying to get back into the game.

The hosts pulled one back ten minutes into the second half when Ledley King headed against defensive partner Younes Kaboul and the ball ricocheted in.

The Tottenham goal led a charmed life at times, and a 74 minute last ditch block from King after Clint Dempsey had rounded Friedel kept Spurs in front.

In stoppage time, with Martin Jol's side desperately searching for an equaliser, they had a decent claim for a penalty when Kyle Walker appeared to handle during an almighty goal mouth scramble.

The visitors also had to rely on a goal line clearance by Luka Modric seconds front fulltime as nerves were frayed among Spurs fans.

But Jermain Defoe, on as a substitute for Rafael van der Vaart, sealed the victory after good work from Emmanuel Adebayor with the last kick of the game.

Tottenham had opened the scoring after ten minutes when Gareth Bale drilled the ball across the goal after a Schwarter save and it was deflected in by Chris Baird.

The goal came completely against the run of play as Fulham dominated the opening proceedings, and could have taken the lead in the second minute but for a sharp goalline clearance from Brad Friedel.

Fulham continued to push for an equaliser, and Clint Dempsey waste a great 23rd minute chance with a tame shot which Friedel saved.

Fulham's manager Martin Jol would have been hoping for a win over his former charges, but was left scratching his head when Aaron Lennon doubled Spurs' lead just before halftime.

It was only Tottenham's second clear-cut chance, but Fulham's defenders let the winger jink inside and slot the ball home with a fine strike.

The win leaves Spurs level on points with fourth placed Chelsea, who came to west London without manager Harry Redknapp after his minor heart surgery.

Fulham, who can be proud of the performance but came away with no points, lie 16th in the league and continue to search for their second home win of the season.