The gap between Fulham in seventh and Sheffield Wednesday in sixth is now two points, with the Cottagers having played a game less, following the Owls' 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.
Jonathan Kodija was at the double at Villa Park on an afternoon when Vincent Sasso and boss Carlos Carvalhal were both sent off for the visitors.
Meanwhile Newcastle United's loss will boost top-two candidates Huddersfield Town whose own run of brilliant results continued at Brentford.
Rajiv van La Parra scored the only goal in a 1-0 win to put the Terriers six points behind Newcastle and Brighton with a game in hand.