Will Lankshear continued his impressive start to the season with a double, taking his tally to six goals in just five matches since joining Middlesbrough from Tottenham over the summer. The English striker helped his side secure a 3-1 victory at the Riverside Stadium against West Bromwich Albion, extending Boro's unbeaten run and adding another three points to their early Championship campaign. The match opened with a somber moment as the crowd observed a minute's silence in memory of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, the two police officers who lost their lives on the nearby A66 when a vehicle travelling the wrong way struck their marked police car.
Their sacrifice was honoured before the teams took to the pitch. Middlesbrough began brightly, creating an early chance when Isaac Price slipped a back‑pass straight to Australian midfielder Riley McGree. McGree attempted a first‑time flick, but his effort drifted wide of the far post, leaving the home side still searching for an opening.
West Brom responded with a promising move of their own; Jayson Molumby threaded a clever through‑ball that freed Felix Myhre, whose subsequent shot sliced wide of the target, allowing the Baggies to keep the pressure on. The first half continued with both sides testing each other's defenses, but it was the second half that produced the decisive moments. Shortly after the interval, Lankshear found himself in an off‑side position when Morgan Whittaker struck a powerful shot that rattled the post. The rebound fell to West Brom goalkeeper Max O'Leary, who inadvertently struck the ball on the back of his head.
The loose ball looped back into the penalty area, where Lankshear, still forward, rose to meet it and headed the ball past the keeper for a contentious opening goal. West Brom attempted to equalise quickly.
Isaac Price delivered a superb cross from the left flank, and Jimmy‑Jay Morgan rose above his marker, slipping the ball past the Boro defense to head home and level the scores at 1‑1. The goal lifted the visitors' spirits, but Middlesbrough were not deterred. Just eight minutes later, substitute Kyle Joseph entered the fray and unleashed an angled shot that O'Leary managed to block with his legs. The rebound fell to Lankshear, who calmly volleyed the ball into the net, restoring Middlesbrough's lead.
The English forward's second goal was a textbook finish, confirming his growing reputation as a reliable poacher in the Championship. The final blow came in the 87th minute when Alfie Jones, who had been introduced at halftime, took advantage of a miscued attempt by West Brom defender Luke Ayling. Jones met the loose ball with a composed finish, sealing a 3‑1 win for the home side and sending the Riverside faithful into celebration.
After the final whistle, Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg praised his team's resilience. He highlighted the dramatic shift in intensity after the break, noting that the side had applied relentless pressure, created numerous opportunities, and ultimately deserved the three points. Hellberg admitted the first half had been “terrible,” citing a lack of pressing intensity and poor defensive shape that allowed West Brom to dominate possession. He emphasized that the second‑half turnaround demonstrated the squad’s character and tactical adaptability.
West Brom’s captain James Morrison offered a measured response, acknowledging the frustration of conceding an off‑side goal and the need to avoid “silly” mistakes in the future. He spoke about the club’s rebuilding phase, emphasizing that growing pains were inevitable as the team seeks to find consistency and improve its performance in the league. Beyond the immediate result, the match underscored Middlesbrough’s early-season momentum. The victory marked their second consecutive home win in the Sky Bet Championship and followed a recent Carabao Cup triumph over Doncaster.
The Boro’s attacking fluency, anchored by Lankshear’s clinical finishing, suggests they could be serious contenders for promotion if they maintain this level of play. In addition to the on‑field action, the club reminded supporters to use Chrome for the most accessible video player experience and promoted the availability of free Championship highlights for fans unable to watch live. The match also featured a brief promotional segment encouraging viewers to watch EFL games on their phones and participate in a Super 6 competition with a £250,000 prize pool.
Overall, the game provided a mix of emotion, remembrance, and footballing drama. Middlesbrough’s ability to rebound from a lackluster first half, coupled with Lankshear’s brace, will be remembered as a key moment in their campaign. As the season progresses, the Boro will look to build on this performance, while West Brom will aim to rectify their defensive lapses and regain confidence in the weeks ahead.