Middlesbrough opened their 2026/27 Carabao Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wrexham, thanks to a debut strike from new signing Will Lankshear. The 21-year-old, who arrived from Tottenham for a reported £10 million in the summer transfer window, waited just 61 minutes before finding the back of the net with a superb first‑time volley, securing all three points for his new club. The match began with Boro creating an early chance in the seventh minute. Defender Adilson Malanda nudged a cross from Sebastian Berhalter toward goal, but goalkeeper Danny Ward produced a reflex save at point‑blank range, denying Middlesbrough an early lead.
Wrexham responded through Danny Imray, who missed a decent opportunity after Callum Doyle’s delivery, failing to make solid contact. Six minutes before the break, Sam Smith struck a low shot that clanged against the legs of Sol Brynn after a well‑timed run by Nathan Broadhead, but the effort failed to trouble the keeper. The second half started with Lankshear testing the woodwork; his effort curled just over the bar.
However, the young striker’s patience was rewarded shortly thereafter. Leo Castledine headed a cross from Jeremy Sarmiento into Lankshear’s path.
The forward turned neatly and, with a clean first‑time volley, tucked the ball into the far corner, giving Boro a deserved lead. The goal was a textbook example of timing and technique, showcasing why the club invested heavily in the forward. Middlesbrough pressed for a second goal in the closing stages.
Morgan Whittaker’s low drive struck the post three minutes from full‑time, but the ball rebounded harmlessly, leaving the scoreline untouched. The win marked a positive start to Boro’s 50th‑anniversary season and set a confident tone for the rest of the cup run. In another first‑round fixture, Wolverhampton Wanderers comfortably progressed with a 3-0 triumph over League Two side Port Vale. All three goals arrived in the first half, with Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez each finding the net.
The victory also marked the debut of manager Cesar Peixoto, who celebrated his first win in charge. Port Vale had moments of promise – Jordan Lawrence‑Gabriel produced an impressive chance before the break, and Mo Faal’s penalty was saved by Dan Bentley’s outstretched legs – but they could not recover from the early deficit.
Wolves’ 21,360‑strong crowd at Molineux were more focused on welcoming back club legend Raul Jimenez, who re‑joined the team this summer after three seasons at Fulham. Jimenez entered as a late substitute and unleashed a powerful shot, but he was unable to add his name to the scoresheet. Nevertheless, his presence added excitement for the supporters, and Wolves secured their place in the second round of the competition.
Stevenage also advanced, edging Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 thanks to a dramatic late winner from new signing Josh Magennis. The match turned on a corner delivered by Phoenix Patterson in second‑half stoppage time; Magennis rose above the defence to head home the decisive goal.
Earlier, Dan Kemp had given the visitors the lead in the 27th minute after exploiting a momentary hesitation in the Wycombe back line and firing a low shot past the keeper. Wycombe equalised before halftime when winger Silko Thomas crossed from the left and Scottish midfielder Ewan Henderson slipped the ball past the defence to score from just outside the six‑yard box.
Wycombe attempted to dominate the second half, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Substitute Emre Tezgel, replacing Cauley Woodrow, was denied by Boro captain Carl Piergianni when he tried to finish Thomas’ cross in the 77th minute. Magennis’s late header ultimately settled the contest, sending Stevenage through to the next round. The Carabao Cup’s first round featured clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two, all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Fans can also follow the action on the Sky Sports app, with a recommendation to use Chrome for the best video experience. The tournament will continue to provide thrilling knockout football, with upcoming ties involving West Ham, Burnley and Leicester slated for Saturday. Viewers can track all 29 first‑round matches on Soccer Saturday, and the competition promises further excitement as teams vie for a place in the later stages. In addition to the on‑field drama, Sky Sports is promoting a Super 6 competition where participants can win a share of a £250,000 prize pool, with free entry available to fans.
The Carabao Cup remains a key early‑season showcase for clubs across the English football pyramid, offering opportunities for new signings to make an immediate impact and for managers to test tactics ahead of the league campaign.