Hemed nets hat-trick as Brighton thump Fulham

Tomer Hemed's first hat-trick in English football helped Brighton & Hove Albion climb into the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship with a crushing 5-0 home victory over Fulham.

Tomer Hemed (left) celebrates after netting his and Brighton's first from the penalty spot Source: AAP

The Israel striker scored twice in the first half, once from the penalty spot, while skipper Bruno hit the Seagulls' third goal shortly after the break.

Hemed completed his treble 10 minutes from time with French winger Anthony Knockaert completing Albion's biggest win of the season.

Brighton, now assured of a place in the play-offs with four games remaining, are one point behind leaders Middlesbrough, who they visit on the last day.

Hull City kept their faint hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League alive as Robert Snodgrass's last-gasp free-kick helped them to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at the KC Stadium.

The Tigers lie eight points behind Brighton in the second automatic promotion place with five games remaining.

Hull took an early lead through Adama Diomande's opportunist goal but Dave Edwards's close-range header brought the teams level before the hosts won it in injury-time.