Bournemouth beat 10-man Cardiff 3-0 on Thursday to open up a four-point lead over Fulham at the top of the Championship.

Ryan Christie claimed the opener and top-scorer Dominic Solanke was also on the scoresheet before Cardiff goalkeeper Alex Smithies' late own goal sealed a great night for Scott Parker's men.

Cardiff had midfielder Leandro Bacuna sent off in first-half stoppage time as they were plunged deeper into relegation trouble.

Bournemouth took the lead in the 25th minute thanks to Christie's first goal in 20 games for the club.

Solanke did well down the right before picking out Christie just inside the area and his deflected effort left Smithies stranded.

Cardiff ended the half a man light after Bacuna was shown a straight red card for a reckless scissor tackle from behind on Philip Billing in the centre circle.

Solanke doubled Bournemouth's lead midway through the second half and it was 3-0 seven minutes from time when Jefferson Lerma's fiercely struck shot from a corner smashed against the underside of the bar before hitting Smithies and flying into the net.

There were also wins for sixth-placed Huddersfield, promotion-chasing QPR and Wayne Rooney's Derby, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.