Pavel Pogrebnyak's impressive start since joining Fulham continued as the Russian hitman scored a hat-trick in the five-goal triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Clint Dempsey scored the others as Terry Connor suffered his first defeat since taking charge of Wolves.

From the off the game was an open affair and Fulham left-back John-Arne Riise provided an ever-present threat down the left while, at the other end, Richard Stearman headed Wolves's best chance over.

The end-to-end nature continued and a goal came after 36 minutes by Pogrebnyak, who was afforded too much space at the back post to dive forward and head home a corner.

The Russian soon had his second as Kevin Foley's square pass was cut out by Andy Johnson, who ran clear down the right and squared for Pogrebnyak to sweep home with his weaker right foot.

After the break Martin Jol's side continued to aggress and Dempsey made it three by rounding Hennessey after an inch-perfect Danny Murphy through ball.

Pogrebnyak had his hat-trick in the 62nd minute when Hennessey could only parry Johnson's shot and Pogrebnyak was on hand to poke home.

Wolves's misery was compounded seven minutes from time when new signing Mahamadou Diarra found Dempsey, who fired home with his left.

The win means that Fulham have won three league games on-the-bounce for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

Three points moves the Cottagers up five places to eighth while Wolves drop into the bottom three after falling behind Blackburn on goal difference.