Brentford kept the pressure on the Championship’s top two with a comprehensive 3-1 win over West London rivals QPR at Griffin Park.
First-half goals from the Bees’ ‘BMW’ combination of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins ensured the engine never looked like stalling on their promotion push.
Nahki Wells’ consolation just after the hour mark was too little too late for a QPR side blown away in a blistering first 45 minutes of football by the Bees.
The result means Brentford are now just seven points behind leaders West Bromwich Albion who could only manage a 2-2 draw at Charlton Athletic.
READ MORE: Brentford 3-1 QPR, Championship: report, ratings and verdict
The Baggies twice took the lead, first through Kenneth Zohore, who struck the winner when the sides met in the FA Cup six days previously, and then through Hal Robson-Kanu at the start of the second period after Josh Davison had levelled.
However, the Addicks equalised again when the ball deflected into the net off Sam Johnstone after the West Brom keeper had pushed Tom Lockyer’s 76th-minute header against the post.
The draw means Charlton avoided defeat in their first home league game since the recent takeover of the club – but Lee Bowyer’s side have now won just once in their last 15 league games.
Meanwhile Fulham moved into fourth with a 1-0 win at Hull City as Ivan Cavaleiro’s spectacular 29th-minute strike secured all three points for the Cottagers.
Elsewhere, Gary Rowett’s Millwall drew 0-0 at former club Stoke City with the Lions finishing the game with 10 men as Shaun Williams was given a straight red card five minutes from time.
READ MORE: Charlton Athletic 2-2 West Bromwich Albion, Championship: report, ratings and verdict
In League One, AFC Wimbledon are now just one place and two points above the drop zone after losing 2-1 at Portsmouth.
Joe Pigott cancelled out Marcus Harness’ opener for Pompey before a John Marquis 79th-minute strike sealed the win.
The Dons misery was complete late on as midfielder Scott Wagstaff was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
And finally, Leyton Orient salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Grimsby Town as Lee Angol’s added-time penalty cancelled out Billy Clarke’s 74th-minute strike for Grimsby.