Blackpool have given themselves renewed hope of avoiding the drop from the English Championship thanks to a thumping 6-1 victory against a shellshocked Queens Park Rangers.

Socceroos midfielder Kenny Dougall came off the bench in the 70th minute and his crisp finish rounded out the scoring in the 88th minute.

Fellow Australian Riley McGree provided another assist for Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom, but the home side were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City to remain third, now three points behind Sheffield United.

Boro struck midway through the first half as Aaron Ramsey broke forward and slipped through McGree, who put it on a plate for Akpom to grab his 23rd of the season.

But Ki-Jana Hoever levelled things just before halftime at Riverside Stadium with his third goal in two games.

Elsewhere, Millwall went fifth thanks to a 2-1 home win over Swansea City.

Watford moved up to 10th with a 3-0 victory over visiting Birmingham City.

Preston North End are now 11th after their 2-1 triumph at Rotherham United, while Wigan Athletic got off the bottom with a 1-1 draw at home to Coventry City.

Blackpool recorded by far their biggest win of the season to move within just three points of potential safety.

Only a second success in 20 league games was secured in some style against a QPR side that never recovered from a disastrous opening.

Mick McCarthy's Seasiders made a dream start as they went three up after only 14 minutes.

The opener came following a Jerry Yates penalty awarded after only 44 seconds.

Andy Lyons made it two and Bloomfield Road was rocking again when a howler from Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng led to a third goal, scored by Curtis Nelson.

It got even worse nine minutes before the break with Jordan Thorniley heading home a corner.

Chris Martin pulled one back before halftime, but the hosts made it five just three minutes after the restart with Lyons' second and Queenslander Dougall completed the rout with two minutes remaining.