Queens Park Rangers suffered their third consecutive loss since the restart as Fulham battled to a 2-1 win in a competitive West London derby.
In a tight encounter that hung in the balance until the very end, it was Cyrus Christie’s powerful 75th minute shot that stole the points and kept Fulham’s faint automatic promotion hopes alive.
QPR had got off to the best possible start as Jordan Hugill rose to head home after just 51 seconds for his 12th goal of the season.
Despite the hosts maintaining a high intensity, Fulham struck back on 21 minutes with QPR keeper Liam Kelly unable to keep out Harry Arter’s effort from 25 yards.
Luke Amos then wasted a huge chance to put the Hoops back in front before Marek Rodak produced an excellent reflex save to prevent Hugill bagging another.
However, the pendulum swung in Fulham’s favour after the interval as Christie rocketed a superb strike into the far corner to put Fulham ahead with 15 minutes remaining.
Ryan Manning’s header cannoned off the bar in the 87th minute but the final whistle saw the Hoops remain 15th in the table with Fulham four points off the automatic promotion places.