Prolific Bonatini helps Wolves stretch lead

LONDON: Leo Bonatini (pic) scored for the sixth game in succession as an impressive Wolverhampton Wanderers extended their lead at the top of the English Championship with a 2-0 win over Fulham.

The 23-year-old Brazilian added to Romain Saiss’ opener to send Wolves four points clear.

Wolves Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo – who had been linked with the vacancy at Everton but has said he is not interested – was delighted with the manner in which his players shrugged off the effects of playing a third match inside a week.

“I’m happy with the result and the performance,” the 43-year-old former Porto manager told Sky Sports.

“For a third game in a week it was incredible, there was no time to totally recover and the boys go and work the way they did, so we must be proud.”

Saiss marked his return from suspension in ideal style scoring with a bullet header from man-of-thematch Barry Douglas’ corner in the ninth minute.

The hosts doubled their advantage just before the half hour mark with Douglas once again the provider as his free-kick was headed home by Bonatini.

Wolves were playing some lovely football and only a superb save from David Button from Bonatini’s flicked header denied them a deserved third goal in the 67th minute.

Fulham rarely threatened and looked a shadow of the side that stormed into the playoffs last season only to fall short.

Friday’s defeat sees them sitting in 16th spot and without a win in five matches which could put pressure on manager Slavisa Jokanovic.