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 win, simultaneously snapping Lincoln City’s impressive nine‑month unbeaten streak. The Imps, making their first appearance in the second tier of English football in 65 years, burst out of the blocks and claimed an early lead in the 12th minute when captain Tendayi Darikwa sent a low cross into the box that was met by Adam Reach, whose powerful left‑footed strike from about 15 yards beat Middlesbrough keeper Radek Vitek. For Boro, the opening half was a learning curve.
Manager Kim Hellberg had placed a blend of new signings – Radek Vitek, Sebastian Berhalter, Kyle Joseph and Lankshear – alongside returning loanees Alpha Kante and Neto Borges in his starting eleven. The visitors struggled to impose their rhythm, often being out‑pressed by Lincoln’s high‑intensity pressing game.
Both Leo Castledine and Kante tested the Imps’ defence with long‑range efforts, while Adilson Malanda saw a header saved by young centre‑back George Wickens. Dom Jefferies also created two half‑chance opportunities before the interval, underscoring Lincoln’s continued threat. Middlesbrough’s attempts to answer back were sporadic.
Lankshear, eager to justify his transfer fee, tried to find space on the flank, but his early shots were either blocked by Wickens or fell wide. Kyle Joseph’s close‑range effort was superbly parried by Wickens, who demonstrated his aerial prowess throughout the match. As the first half wound down, the Boro supporters sensed a looming defeat, especially when Lankshear’s effort rattled the post, only to be denied by the woodwork. The second half saw a tactical shift.
Hellberg’s side emerged with renewed vigor, pressing higher and moving the ball more swiftly. In the 62nd minute, a well‑timed cross from Callum Brittain on the right wing was headed back into the danger area by Deji Elerewe. The ball fell to Castledine, whose angled drive was instinctively redirected by Lankshear from six yards out, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal ignited the Riverside Stadium, and the crowd’s roar seemed to lift the players’ spirits.
Lincoln attempted to regain control, but their defensive shape began to wobble as Boro’s midfield surged forward. Lankshear, now fully settled into the game, continued to menace the Imps’ back line, forcing Wickens into a series of crucial interventions. Meanwhile, Morgan Whittaker’s free‑kick curled just over the bar, highlighting the growing confidence of the home side.
As the clock ticked into added time, the match hung in the balance. Lankshear, already on a brace, found himself on the end of a brilliant move orchestrated by substitute Riley McGree on the right.
McGree’s incisive run and pinpoint pass placed Lankshear at the near post, where he calmly slotted the ball home, sealing a 2-1 victory for Middlesbrough. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations, with the Riverside crowd acknowledging the dramatic turnaround.
Post‑match, Hellberg reflected on the performance: “The first half we were outplayed; they deserved their lead even if they didn’t create many chances. Our structure was off, and I take responsibility for that. However, the squad showed incredible character in the second half, feeding off the crowd’s energy.
I’m grateful to the players and staff for turning the game around.” Lincoln’s co‑manager Chris Cohen praised his side’s effort despite the loss: “The lads gave an amazing performance, especially in the first half. We pressed well and created constant threats. In the second half we slipped a little, lost our punch‑back, and against a quality side like Boro that can be costly. We’re proud of the team and will take the lessons forward as we adapt to the Championship.” The match also marked a historic moment for Lincoln, as their first Championship game since 1961 featured an unchanged lineup of players who secured the League One title the previous season.
Their early dominance hinted at a promising future, but the experience of the higher division exposed areas for growth. For Middlesbrough, the win not only earned three points but also signalled that their summer recruitment – particularly Lankshear’s arrival – could be pivotal in their quest for promotion. Overall, the encounter was a showcase of resilience, tactical adjustments, and individual brilliance. Lankshear’s brace will be remembered as the catalyst that sparked Boro’s comeback, while Lincoln’s brief unbeaten run ended, reminding both clubs of the fine margins that define success in the Championship.
The Riverside Stadium’s atmosphere, described by Hellberg as “electric,” underlined the passionate support that can turn a struggling first half into a triumphant second, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead for both teams.