Middlesbrough improved their prospect of promotion to the Premier League as they climbed to second in the Championship with a 3-2 win at QPR on Friday.

Aitor Karanka's side took the lead when Jordan Rhodes punished poor defending by Grant Hall in the 17th minute.

Jamie Mackie equalised for QPR just after the half-hour mark with his first goal since returning to the club last year.

He prevented George Friend from clearing Alejandro Faurlin's free-kick and was quick to the resulting loose ball, turning and firing a ferocious volley from the edge of the penalty area which went in via the underside of the crossbar.

Gaston Ramirez headed Middlesbrough back in front from a corner after goalkeeper Alex Smithies had saved Grant Leadbitter's penalty six minutes into the second half.

Ben Gibson nodded in from a corner five minutes later to put Middlesbrough in complete command before Tjaronn Chery scored for QPR late on.

Middlesbrough's victory lifts them into the automatic promotion places above Brighton, who face leaders Burnley on Saturday.