Crusaders of Belfast next up for Fulham in Europe

It may only be early July, but Fulham's season is already well underway and they marched triumphantly into the second qualifying round of the Europa League after a goalless draw with NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands.

The Cottagers took a 3-0 lead into the second leg of the tie, played at the 2,000 capacity Runavik Stadium on the island of Eysturoy, which was less then two thirds full.

The scoreline flattered the hosts as Fulham monstered their opponents in the first half. Damien Duff, (above), had the best of the chances but hit the cross bar after five minutes and then missed from six yards out.

However, with the scores still deadlocked Fulham were pleased to see Klaemint Olsen miss Runavik's best chance of the match after the break.

Next up for the Cottagers, who are now just 21 games away from the Europa League final in Bucharest on 9 May 2012, are Crusaders FC of Northern Ireland.

Crusaders, whose proud history dates back to 1898, are known as the Hatchetmen, and they will be hoping to do some damage to Fulham.

They qualified for Europe Last season by dint of being runners up in the Irish League behind Linfield. They also just missed out on the Irish Cup, losing to Linfield in the final.

Their most famous son is probably West Brom defender Gareth McAuley, who has made more than 200 appearances for Lincoln, Leicester and Ipswich and joined the Baggies this year.

The last time Crusaders met English opposition in Europe was in 1976, when they were drawn against Liverpool. The Reds won the two legged tie 7-0, although they had to fight hard in the first leg at Anfield where they ran out 2-0 winners. However, Bob Paisley's men went on to win the competition, something that Fulham fans may see as a good omen.

Martin Jol's men are sure of a warm reception at Crusaders' Seaview ground in Belfast, the club's website warns fans to get in early if they want to get a ticket, and with fewer than 2,000 available a full house looks inevitable. ·