Bournemouth stormed back to the top of the Championship with a scintillating 5-1 rout of Fulham at Craven Cottage on Friday.

Eddie Howe's surprise promotion contenders took another step towards the Premier League thanks to two goals apiece from Brett Pitman and Matt Ritchie and a late strike from defender Steve Cook.

Pitman, only in the side due to an injury to Yann Kermorgant, opened the scoring in west London just before the half-hour mark with his first goal since Boxing Day.

Ritchie doubled the advantage before half-time with a deflected effort and Pitman helped himself to a fine solo goal on the hour.

Matt Smith pulled one back with his first goal in Fulham colours, but any hopes of a home comeback were extinguished when Fernando Amorebieta was sent off and Ritchie blasted in the resulting free-kick.

Cook then crashed in number five with six minutes remaining to put the icing on the cake for the Cherries, who are ahead of second placed Middlesbrough on goal difference.

Photo Credits : AFP