MIDDLESBROUGH'S hopes of making the Championship play-offs have been badly damaged after Sheffield United closed in on a top-six finish with a win at QPR.

The Blades claimed a 3-1 win at Loftus Road, enabling them to open up a five-point gap over Boro.

With two games remaining, the Teessiders can still overhaul their play-off rivals, but they now need to win both of their remaining matches - at home to Stoke tomorrow and away at Preston next weekend - to have any chance of finishing in the top six.

Even then, they will still need Sheffield United to drop points against Fulham on the final weekend of the season to have any chance of making the play-offs.

Things looked to be going Boro's way this evening when QPR claimed a first-half lead through a goal from Charlie Austin.

However, Sheffield United equalised in the 54th minute through Iliman Ndiaye, and took the lead when Jack Robinson found the net with 17 minutes remaining.

The Blades wrapped up their victory when Conor Hourihane added a third goal in stoppage time, meaning Boro must now beat Stoke tomorrow to keep their outside hopes of securing a play-off spot alive.