Cottagers go 11 points clear with victory over Blackburn

FULHAM moved 11 points clear at the top of the Championship with a 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Blackburn.

Both goals came in the first half as Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson struck at Craven Cottage.

Rovers rallied after the break and Sam Gallagher had an effort disallowed due to an offside flag but Fulham held on.

Bournemouth missed the chance to move above Huddersfield into second as they were stunned by a late Preston winner.

Emil Riis struck in the 89th minute to hand Preston a 2-1 win moments after Nat Phillips had forced a fine save from Daniel Iversen at the other end.

In the commotion that followed, Bournemouth had both manager Scott Parker and defender Adam Smith, who was on the touchline after being substituted, sent off.

Earlier Jamal Lowe had put the Cherries ahead five minutes into the second half but the hosts responded through Cameron Archer.

Play-off hopefuls QPR lost more ground as they surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 at home to Cardiff.

Andre Gray gave Rangers the lead seven minutes before the break but two Cardiff goals in the space of four second-half minutes from Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill turned the game around.

Steve Bruce finally claimed his first win as West Brom manager by overseeing a 2-0 success over former club Hull.

Karlan Grant was on target twice for the Baggies, opening the scoring in the 17th minute and then adding a second from the penalty spot early in the second period.

Ravel Morrison struck twice as relegation-threatened Derby reignited their unlikely escape bid by claiming their first win in four games with a 2-0 success over fellow strugglers Barnsley.

Morrison netted in each half to lift the Rams above Barnsley and within five points of Reading in that all-important 21st place.

Derby’s hopes were enhanced as Reading slipped up at the home to improving Millwall. Jake Cooper headed the only goal of a 1-0 win for the Lions.

Swansea were comfortable 3-1 home winners over Coventry.

Michael Obafemi struck either side of half-time after Jamie Paterson had opened the scoring. Gustavo Hamer scored a late consolation.

Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong scored his first goal in English football as Birmingham won 2-1 at Bristol City. Chongwas on target after just two minutes at Ashton Gate before Nico Gordon soon added a second. Alex Scott pulled one back for the hosts.

In the day’s other game, Josh Bowler scored an 86th-minute winner as Blackpool snatched a 1-0 victory at Stoke.