Bournemouth returned to the top of the Championship on goal difference after putting five past Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Brett Pitman and Matt Ritchie both scored twice as Fulham had Fernando Amorebieta sent off and conceded five goals for the fifth time this season.

Pitman opened the scoring, Ritchie drilled home the second and Pitman slotted in the third after an hour.

Matt Smith got one back before Amorebieta was dismissed and Ritchie and Steve Cook completed the rout.

Bournemouth’s promotion challenge had faltered in recent weeks but after beating Wolves 2-1 in mid-week they scored five – also for the fifth time this term – to overhaul Middlesbrough at the top and enhance their status as the top scorers in the country.

Pitman scored his first goal in 12 games to put Bournemouth in front after 29 minutes with a left-footed shot and Ritchie then netted his 10th goal of the season with a shot from outside the box.

Pitman made it 3-0 with a superb solo effort after an hour before Smith’s explosive finish gave the home side brief hope.

But the Cottagers, with just one win in their previous 10 games, had Amorebieta sent off when the defender tripped Callum Wilson as he raced clear.

Two minutes later, Ritchie drove home a low free-kick to make it 4-1 and six minutes from time Cook lashed an angled shot into the top corner to complete a miserable Friday night for Fulham.