Ross McCormack’s 18th league goal of the season proved fruitless as Fulham fell to a topsy-turvy defeat to Burnley at Craven Cottage.

Sam Vokes opened the scoring for the league leaders, before a quickfire double from revered strike partnership Moussa Dembele and McCormack put the hosts ahead.

But a second-half penalty from Vokes and fine solo effort from Andre Gray saw the visitors edge a tough match.

And the two highest-scoring teams in the Championship delivered in what promised to be a goal-laden match.

The Whites started in positive fashion when Ross McCormack forced Tom Heaton into action, before Tom Cairney and Luke Garbutt both had efforts blocked.

Fulham’s defensive demons reappeared, however, when Scott Arfield’s corner was headed in by Wales international Sam Vokes - who collected his 10th league goal of the season.

But the Whites hit back in style, with McCormack slamming an equaliser high into the net after 18 minutes following Moussa Dembele’s cutting through ball.

And it didn’t take long for Fulham to complete the comeback, with French forward Dembele chesting home Garbutt’s left-wing cross from close range after 21 minutes.

The Whites continued to push forward and both McCormack and Dembele threatened Burnley before Heaton miraculously kept out Cairney from 12 yards.

But just three minutes into the second half, the visitors equalised from the spot when Cairney took down Barton - and Vokes stepped up and coolly slotted in.

Garbutt was kept out by Heaton not long after, before McCormack fired over from inside the box - albeit with the angle against him.

And the Whites were again made to pay when Gray got on the scoresheet - turning Michael Madl from 20 yards and unleashing a thunderbolt past Andrew Lonergan.

Fulham bombed forward for an equaliser, with Garbutt coming close, but could not break down a resilient Burnley.

Fulham FC take on Bristol City at Craven Cottage this Saturday, 3pm kick-off. Tickets are now on general sale priced from £25 adults and from just £15 juniors (under 17).

Call the Fulham FC Ticket Office on: 0843 208 1234 or online at:www.fulhamfc.com/tickets