Fulham claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Leeds United at Craven Cottage, condemning Javi Gracia's side to a third consecutive defeat.

The opening 45 minutes failed to offer little goalmouth action, but the contest burst into life in the second period.

Harry Wilson opened the scoring with a thunderous strike before Andreas Pereira guided home a second in the 72nd minute.

With 10 minutes remaining, Patrick Bamford's shot deflected in off Joao Palhinha to give Leeds a glimmer of hope.

Ultimately, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser, ensuring that Fulham could celebrate a second straight victory.

After losing their last two matches by a combined 11-2 scoreline, Leeds would have been content with the cagey first half that unfolded at Craven Cottage.

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With chances proving to be a rarity in the first period, Marc Roca tried his luck from a free kick, forcing Bernd Leno into a smart save.

As the contest drifted towards half time, Pereira looked to provide a source of inspiration for the hosts, but his driven effort from distance was comfortably stopped by Illan Meslier.

The hosts returned from the interval with greater intent, and they duly took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to an emphatic strike from Wilson.

Meslier could only push Willian's lofted cross into the path of the Wales international, who thumped the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.

With Leeds teetering, Marco Silva's side attempted to capitalise as they immediately began their search for a second goal.

Pereira went agonisingly close to finding the net just after the hour mark when his curling free kick crashed against the crossbar.

The former Manchester United midfielder continued to persist, and he was rewarded for his efforts with just under 20 minutes remaining.

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Meslier was unable to deal with another Fulham cross from the left, parrying the ball into the centre of the box where Pereira was waiting to tuck away an easy finish.

The visitors tried to claw their way back into the contest through Roca, who had a fierce shot tipped over by Leno.

Just moments later, Bamford's stabbed effort deflected in off the hapless Palhinha to halve Fulham's advantage and give the visitors a foothold.

Willian did his utmost to restore Fulham's two-goal cushion, but Meslier went some way to redeeming himself, pulling off a fine stop to thwart the Brazilian's goal-bound free kick.

A third goal was not needed though, as the hosts held firm to claim all three points which moves them up to ninth place.

Leeds, meanwhile, are left languishing two points above the bottom three, and they could finish the weekend in the drop zone if results elsewhere go against them.