Will Lankshear, the much‑heralded summer acquisition, delivered a decisive second‑half brace as Middlesbrough rallied to open their Championship campaign with a gritty 2-1 triumph, simultaneously halting the remarkable nine‑month unbeaten streak of newly promoted Lincoln City. Lincoln, making their first appearance in England's second tier in 65 years, began brightly and seized the lead in the 12th minute. Captain Tendayi Darikwa surged down the right flank, whipped in a precise cross that found Adam Reach cutting in from the left. Reach unleashed a powerful left‑footed strike from about 15 yards, beating Middlesbrough goalkeeper Radek Vítek and putting the Imps ahead.
The early advantage, however, proved short‑lived. Lankshear, a former Tottenham prospect who was making his league debut for Boro after a high‑profile transfer, equalised just after the hour’s mark.
A well‑timed run into the box saw him meet a cross and slot the ball home, restoring parity. The drama intensified in stoppage time when Lankshear, already on a goal‑scoring roll, tapped in a second, this time capitalising on a superb right‑wing delivery from substitute Riley McGree. The finish at the near post sealed a 2-1 win for Middlesbrough. The result ended Lincoln’s astonishing run of 29 matches without defeat across all competitions, a streak that had begun in early December.
It also marked the Imps' first Championship fixture since their historic promotion, and the debut of the joint head‑coach duo Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, who had taken over after Michael Skubala’s departure to Bristol City in May. Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg fielded a starting eleven that featured all of his summer signings – Radek Vítek, Sebastian Berhalter, Will Lankshear and Kyle Joseph – alongside returning loanees Alpha Kante and Neto Borges, who had spent the previous season at St Etienne and Bristol City respectively. Lincoln, by contrast, fielded a side composed entirely of players who had helped the club clinch the League One title the previous season, underscoring the continuity in their ranks.
The Imps’ high‑intensity approach paid dividends early on. After Darikwa’s surge down the right, his cross was met by Reach, whose ferocious shot left Vítek helpless.
Boro responded immediately, with Leo Castledine and Kante both testing the Lincoln goalkeeper from distance, while Adilson Malanda saw a header saved by George Wickens. Dom Jefferies also created chances for the visitors before the half‑time whistle. In the lead‑up to the break, Middlesbrough increased the pressure. Lankshear threatened with a couple of early attempts, and Kyle Joseph’s close‑range effort was spectacularly blocked by Wickens.
The visitors continued to press, and after the interval Lankshear again saw a shot saved by the same keeper, while Morgan Whittaker curled a free‑kick just over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken in the 62nd minute. A right‑wing cross from Callum Brittain was headed back by defender Deji Elerewe, landing at the feet of Castledine.
The midfielder’s angled drive was deflected by Lankshear, who instinctively nudged the ball into the net from six yards out, restoring parity for Boro. Lincoln pressed for an equaliser, and Lankshear even struck the post in the closing stages, but the decisive moment arrived in added time. Substituted striker Riley McGree, after a dazzling run down the right, delivered a pinpoint ball to Lankshear at the near post. The striker’s composure under pressure allowed him to finish cleanly, sealing the win.
The match highlighted several key themes. First, Lankshear’s immediate impact validated the club’s investment, showing he can deliver when it matters most. Second, Boro’s blend of new signings and returning loanees demonstrated depth and adaptability, crucial for the long Championship season ahead.
Third, Lincoln’s unbeaten run, while impressive, revealed a vulnerability when facing teams with fresh attacking impetus. Looking forward, Middlesbrough will aim to build on this momentum, hoping the synergy among the summer arrivals continues to flourish. For Lincoln, the loss serves as a reality check; despite the continuity of their squad, they will need to adapt quickly to the higher intensity and tactical demands of the Championship. Both clubs now have clear lessons: Boro must maintain defensive solidity while exploiting the creativity of players like Lankshear and McGree, whereas Lincoln must find ways to break down organised defenses and protect leads more effectively.
Overall, the 2-1 victory not only gave Middlesbrough three valuable points but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: the newly signed talent is already making a difference, and the team is ready to compete at this level. Lincoln, meanwhile, will regroup and look to restore the confidence that carried them through an unbeaten run, knowing that the Championship will test their resilience and adaptability like never before.