Fulham missed the chance to get closer to second place from Leeds as they were only able to save a late draw in Bristol City thanks to Tom Cairney’s goal.
City took the lead in the 70th minute when Nahki Wells was on the verge of returning from a head-to-point shot after Pedro Pereira crossed the goal line after a corner kick.
But Fulham more than played his part in an entertaining contest and equalized six minutes from the time Cairney made room just outside the box to score with gentle left-hand drive.
The match was billed as City’s 125th anniversary and Lee Johnson’s men fought for each ball to earn a share of the loot, keeping them in contention for the play-offs.
Fulham had the best of a first half, but was often guilty of trying too many passes at the end of many threatening moves.
Cairney had a wide shot with the first effort after six minutes, but City responded well, Wells having a header and a shot saved by Marek Rodak.
The hosts suffered a setback in the 23rd minute when central back Nathan Baker was ejected from an injury, Filip Benkovic continuing to replace him.
Two decent chances from Fulham fell on the path of former city player Bobby Decordova-Reid, who sent a wide look and then saw a well-saved 45th shot by goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa.
Harry Arter shot very close as Fulham finished the half-time with a period of concerted pressure which caused the defenders of the city to throw bodies to protect their white sheet.
Rodak had to make his first stop at the start of the second half, changing direction to stifle a deviation from Wells.
Decordova-Reid was presented with another great opportunity as a smooth move from Fulham ended with Maenpaa who stepped aside to save a low shot.
It was end-to-end stuff. Benkovic headed widely for City from the center of Callum O’Dowda after a short turn.
Aleksander Mitrovic had a largely roundabout shot while Fulham continued to look threatening, but the home team also looked efficient on the counter and a run of Andreas Weimann’s lungs was stopped at the expense of a corner.
Wells’ goal was still somewhat against the end of the game. This provoked a strong response from Fulham and Mitrovic was a few inches from a free kick after being struck by Benkovic.
Maenpaa once again came to the rescue of City, reacting brilliantly to push the head of Denis Odoi by throwing a glance near the head of the post.
However, the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop Cairney’s perfectly placed equalizer.
It wasn’t Decordova-Reid’s day. Another short-range chance fell to him late, but his shot was deflected into Maenpaa’s arms.
Fulham called for a late penalty when Maenpaa went down to pick up a loose ball and appeared to catch Cairney, but the game was rough.