Two goals from Barry Hayles helped Fulham to their eighth consecutive league win, as they comfortably saw off the challenge of Gillingham at Craven Cottage.

Hayles has formed a formidable partnership with Frenchman Louis Saha, and his double strike means that the pair have now scored 17 goals between them this season.

With former Scotland international John Collins returning to the midfield, Jean Tigana's side had too much quality for their determined visitors, who were fresh from their excellent Worthington Cup draw at Maine Road on Wednesday.

Hayles opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, chesting down a cross from Steve Finnan before lashing his shot into the top corner of Vince Bartram's goal.

The former Bristol Rovers striker then set up the second with a perceptive through ball which released Lee Clark, who rounded Bartram to score with ease.

As Andy Hessenthaler's side struggled in the heat - Tigana had fielded a reserve side in midweek - Hayles wrapped up the points with a superb solo strike.

Collecting the ball 30 yards from goal, Hayles ran at the heart of the Gills defence, danced around three tackles and curled a delicate shot into the top corner.

Fulham: Taylor, Finnan, W. Collins, Melville, Coleman, J. Collins, Goldbaek, Fernandes, Clark, Saha (Boa Morte 63), Hayles.
Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Neilson, Symons, Lewis.
Booked: Saha.
Goals: Hayles 45, Clark 65, Hayles 87.

Gillingham: Bartram, Edge, Smith, Ashby, Butters, Southall (James 75), Hessenthaler (Lewis 70), Asaba, Browning, King (Thomson 55), Hope.
Subs Not Used: Patterson, Saunders.
Booked: Asaba, Lewis.
Att: 13,032
Ref: F Stretton (Nottingham).