Fulham close in on return to Premier League

Fulham took another step closer to a return to the Premier League after a 2-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday took them nine points clear at the top of the Championship. The London club strengthened their bid for a top-two finish and automatic promotion thanks to first-half goals from Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson at Craven Cottage. Bournemouth remained in the play-off places as they missed the chance to go second as Preston grabbed a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Deepdale.

Emil Riis struck in the 89th minute, shortly after Daniel Iversen had made a fine save from Bournemouth's Nat Phillips at the other end of the pitch. In the commotion that followed Riis' goal, Bournemouth had both manager Scott Parker and defender Adam Smith, on the touchline after being substituted, shown red cards. Earlier, Jamal Lowe had put Bournemouth ahead five minutes into the second half before Cameron Archer levelled soon after.

Steve Bruce enjoyed his first win as manager of West Brom at the sixth time of asking thanks to a 2-0 victory over former club Hull. Karlan Grant scored both goals, breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute before doubling the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half. At the bottom of the table, Derby maintained their bid to escape relegation with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Barnsley.

Derby, managed by former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, appeared destined for the drop after being docked 21 points for entering administration and breaching the league's financial rules. But, with Ravel Morrison scoring twice on Saturday, the Rams -- twice champions of England in the 1970s -- are now just five points from safety. It was the first time former Manchester United and West Ham