Will Lankshear, the high‑profile signing, delivered a decisive second‑half brace as Middlesbrough rallied to open their Championship campaign with a gritty 2-1 triumph, simultaneously ending the newly promoted Lincoln City’s remarkable nine‑month unbeaten streak. Lincoln, affectionately known as the Imps, were playing their first fixture in the second tier in 65 years and made an immediate impact, taking the lead in the 12th minute. Captain Tendayi Darikwa surged down the right flank, sent a precise cross into the box and teammate Adam Reach, arriving from the left, unleashed a powerful left‑footed strike from about 15 yards that beat Middlesbrough keeper Radek Vitek and gave the Imps a deserved advantage. Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg had lined up a number of his summer acquisitions – Radek Vitek, Sebastian Berhalter, Kyle Joseph and the newly‑arrived Lankshear – in the starting eleven.
He also welcomed back Alpha Kante and Neto Borges after their loan spells at St Étienne and Bristol City respectively. The Boro side pressed forward but found the Lincoln defence resilient, with early chances from Leo Castledine and Kante being thwarted, and a header from Adilson Malanda saved by George Wickens.
The visitors continued to test the Imps, Dom Jefferies creating two opportunities before the half‑hour mark. Middlesbrough’s pressure increased as the first half progressed; Lankshear drifted into dangerous positions, while Kyle Joseph’s close‑range effort was expertly blocked by Wickens, who seemed intent on keeping his side in front.
The second half began with Lincoln still dominating possession and threatening on the right wing, but Middlesbrough’s resolve grew. Lankshear’s first shot of the half was denied by Wickens, and a free‑kick from Morgan Whittaker curled just over the bar, signalling that the visitors were beginning to find rhythm. In the 62nd minute, a pivotal moment arrived: Callum Brittain delivered a right‑wing cross that Deji Elerewe headed back into the danger area. The ball fell to Castledine, whose angled drive was instinctively redirected by Lankshear from six yards out, leveling the score at 1-1.
The match appeared poised for a stalemate, especially after Lankshear struck the post in the closing stages. Yet the drama intensified in added time.
Substitute Riley McGree, having come on to bolster the right flank, produced a brilliant run and delivered a low ball into the near post. Lankshear, displaying composure and timing, turned the pass home, clinching a 2-1 victory for Middlesbrough. Post‑match, Hellberg reflected on the performance: "In the first half they were the better side. It had been a long time since an away team had the upper hand early on.
They deserved their lead, even if they didn’t create many chances. Our press was poor and we struggled to impose our game, which was frustrating.
I wasn’t satisfied with the structure I set up; with so many new faces I should have been clearer. The disappointment sits with me, but the squad and coaching staff turned it around and secured the win.
The second half was electric – the fans were amazing, the players ran, chased, and kept the ball moving. I’m grateful to the lads for delivering together with the crowd." Lincoln’s joint head coaches, Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, also weighed in. Cohen praised his team’s spirit: "The first half was exactly what we wanted – high intensity, constant pressure on their goal, and we executed our plan.
In the second half we dropped a little too deep, lost our punch‑back, and against a quality side that’s improving fast, that cost us. The lesson is clear. We’re proud of the boys; they showed they belong at this level. Boro should have been among the top two last season and have invested heavily, so we know the challenges ahead will be tough, especially away from home.
The first‑half performance gave us belief in what we can achieve at this higher tier." Lincoln’s line‑up for their inaugural Championship game featured all eleven players who secured the League One title the previous season, underscoring the continuity and confidence within the squad. Their high‑intensity start, however, proved insufficient to hold off a Boro side that grew into the game after the break. The match also highlighted the impact of Middlesbrough’s recent recruitment drive.
Lankspear’s debut, marked by a goal and an assist, justified the club’s investment and gave the fans a glimpse of the attacking potential they hope to unleash throughout the season. Kyle Joseph, Sebastian Berhalter and the returning loan players all contributed to a more balanced performance compared with the opening half. Overall, the 2-1 result serves as a statement of intent from Middlesbrough. After a period of rebuilding, the team demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and the ability to capitalize on crucial moments.
For Lincoln, the defeat ends a 29‑game unbeaten run across all competitions that began in early December, but the performance, especially in the first half, suggests they can compete at this higher level with the right adjustments. Both clubs now look ahead to their next fixtures, aware that consistency will be key in a demanding Championship campaign. Middlesbrough will aim to build on this comeback victory, while Lincoln will seek to tighten their defensive shape and retain the attacking verve that served them so well in the opening half. The match also featured several broadcast promotions, reminding fans to watch free Championship highlights on their phones and to engage with the league’s digital platforms.
Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offered a chance to win £250,000, encouraging further fan interaction. In summary, Lankshear’s two‑goal performance not only secured three points for Middlesbrough but also marked a turning point in a tightly contested encounter, illustrating the fine margins that define success in England’s second division.