Bees keep buzzing to leave Fulham fretting

Round-Up

Stuart Dallas celebrates scoring against Fulham (Getty Images)

Brentford kept alive their hopes of promotion to the Premier League with a scintillating performance at Craven Cottage yesterday, beating Fulham 4-1 with two goals from Stuart Dallas.

The Northern Ireland international’s first goals in three months, both from distance, had the visitors in command and though Ross McCormack’s penalty briefly reduced the arrears, a fine lofted free-kick from Alan Judge and a volley by Jota added gloss to the scoreline. The result leaves Fulham seven points above the drop zone.

Norwich City remain four points above Brentford and within touching distance of the top after Bradley Johnson’s powerful drive secured a 1-0 win at Brighton and a ninth win in 12 league matches.

Wolves also maintained their fine form to keep pace with the top six, Benik Afobe and Bakary Sako, from the spot, earning a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, for whom Dexter Blackstock scored a last-minute reply.

Lowly Millwall came from behind to beat Charlton 2-1 in a feisty London derby at The New Den. The hosts had a penalty saved in a goalless first period, Stephen Henderson keeping out Lee Gregory’s effort after Chris Solly handled and was dismissed. Alou Diarra put Charlton ahead before Magaye Gueye levelled with 10 minutes remaining. Jos Hooiveld, on loan from Southampton, then scored the winner from close range with three minutes left to keep alive the Lions’ hopes of avoiding relegation.

With six games left, they now sit four points behind 21st-placed Rotherham United, who lost 2-1 at Birmingham City. First-half goals from Robert Tesche and Clayton Donaldson were too much for the Millers to recover from, with Matt Derbyshire’s reply early in the second half ultimately just a consolation.