Championship round-up: Will Smallbone the creator as Stoke dismantle Sunderland

Will Smallbone has yet to be capped at senior level by the Republic of Ireland, but the midfielder aided his cause for international recognition with a commanding performance in Stoke's 5-1 annihilation of Sunderland in the Sky Bet Championship.

Josh Laurent gave Stoke the lead at the end of the first half, with Tyrese Campbell scoring twice in the space of five minutes in the second to put the Potters in control.

Alex Pritchard reduced the deficit just after the hour, but Dwight Gayle added Stoke's fourth with 20 minutes left and then nodded in a fifth.

Smallbone's contribution included three assists as Stoke moved up to 16th in the table.

Alex Neil celebrated a comprehensive 5-1 win on his return to Sunderland with Stoke, on what turned out to be a controversial afternoon at the Stadium of Light.

Middlesbrough thrashed Reading 5-0 to close up on the automatic promotion places after leaders Burnley drew and Sheffield United were beaten.

Chuba Akpom put Boro ahead from a 24th-minute penalty to take his Championship tally to 20 goals.

On-loan Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Ramsey doubled the lead before the break with a fine solo effort.

Akpom added another from close range soon after the restart before Ramsey also got his second goal in the 51st minute with Marcus Forss scoring a fifth from the penalty spot.

Boro moved to within four points of second-placed Sheffield United, who were earlier beaten 1-0 at Blackburn, where an early goal from Harry Pickering proved enough for victory.

Burnley edged 13 points clear of the Blades after they had to settle for a goalless draw at relegation-battlers Blackpool.

Norwich moved up into the top six after coming from behind to win 3-2 at play-off rivals Millwall.

Tom Bradshaw put the Lions in