Brentford have climbed into the top six of the Championship following a 4-1 triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The hosts had the most of the early chances of the first half, one of which resulted in Alex Kacaniklic unleashing a shot from inside the box.

His attempt, however, was saved by Brentford goalkeeper David Button at his near post, and the Cottagers would have rued their missed chances as the visitors began to find their rhythm.

Northern Ireland's Stuart Dallas made the impact before the end of the first half after he was given plenty of space on the edge of the box.

None of Dallas's opponents closed him down in time, and they were punished for it when the winger fired a low attempt into the bottom corner.

At the start of the second half, the Bees came out on the front foot and they were rewarded when Dallas nabbed a second goal with a 20-yard effort.

The winger created space for himself and released a powerful strike which nestled into the top corner of the net, leaving the home side with an uphill struggle to get anything out of the game.

Brentford were in control, but Fulham were handed a controversial lifeline when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after James Husband was brought down in the area.

Ross McCormack, who was wearing the captain's armband in Scott Parker's absence, lined up for the shot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his 13th goal of the campaign.

The home side's glimmer of hope didn't last long as Brentford increased their lead when Alan Judge curled a free kick from 25 yards out into the net.

Jota sealed all three points for the Bees when he fired a shot into the top of the net to push the club back into the playoff places.

Brentford are now fifth in the standings, while Fulham reside 20th.