Aboubakar Kamara was sent off as Fulham’s disappointing start to the season continued with a 2-0 defeat at home to Bristol City.
Bobby Reid and Korey Smith netted in the first half to condemn Fulham to a fourth game without a win.
The Robins are now just five points off the top while Fulham sit 15th, four points from the play-off places.
Fulham looked dangerous in the early stages and could have taken the lead but Ryan Sessegnon saw his effort strike the bar.
Reid notched his tenth goal of a fine campaign by finishing of a lightning-fast counter attack.
Both teams continued to try and play football on the deck in an open and entertaining game.
City demonstrated their counter-attacking threat again just before half-time and this time Smith was the beneficiary, turning the ball home to extend the visitors lead.
Te turning point came just after half time when Kamara and City defender Bailey Wright clashed.
The Fulham striker was shown a straight red card and with it Fulham’s hopes of salvaging anything seemed to disappear.
City controlled the game to record a third consecutive away win and continue what is becoming an impressive season for lee Johnson’s men.
Fulham’s home record continues to be a problem, with just one win registered all season and much to do if they are to live up to pre-season expectations.
