Will Lankshear continued his impressive start to the season by finding the back of the net twice in Middlesbrough's 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium. The former Tottenham youngster, who joined Boro during the summer, has now scored six goals in his first five appearances, underscoring his quick adaptation to Championship football.
The match opened with both sides probing for an early advantage. Middlesbrough enjoyed a golden opportunity when Isaac Price slipped a neat back‑pass straight to Australian midfielder Riley McGree.
McGree attempted a first‑time flick, but his effort drifted wide, leaving the home fans yearning for a breakthrough. West Brom responded with a promising move of their own; Jayson Molumby threaded an incisive through‑ball that released Felix Myhre, whose shot sailed harmlessly over the bar, highlighting the fine margins that would define the encounter. Midway through the first half, the atmosphere turned somber as a minute’s applause was observed in memory of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. The two officers lost their lives on the nearby A66 when a vehicle travelling the wrong way collided with their marked police car, a tragic incident that resonated with supporters and players alike.
The first half continued with a series of chances, but it was the second period that produced the decisive moments. Shortly after the interval, Middlesbrough thought they had taken the lead when Morgan Whittaker’s strike rattled the post.
The rebound fell to Lankshear, who was in an off‑side position, yet the ball ricocheted off West Brom goalkeeper Max O'Leary’s head and looped back into the box. Lankshear seized the opportunity, heading the ball home to give Boro a 1-0 advantage. The goal sparked debate over the off‑side call, but the referee allowed it to stand. West Brom fought back swiftly.
In the 65th minute, Isaac Price delivered a superb cross from the left flank. Jimmy‑Jay Morgan rose above his marker, slipped between Luke Ayling and Neto Borges, and headed the ball past O'Leary to level the scores at 1-1. The equaliser injected fresh urgency into the game and set the stage for a dramatic finish. Eight minutes later, Middlesbrough reclaimed the lead.
Substitute Kyle Joseph, brought on to inject pace, 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 for his second goal of the afternoon, restoring the home side’s advantage at 2-1. The final blow came in the dying minutes.
Alfie Jones, another summer signing, entered the fray and capitalised on a miscued attempt by Ayling. Jones headed the ball past the stranded goalkeeper, sealing a 3-1 win and confirming a second consecutive Sky Bet Championship home triumph for Middlesbrough. The victory capped a productive week that also saw Boro progress in the Carabao Cup with a win over Doncaster. Post‑match, Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg praised his side’s resilience.
“I am very happy with the win. The way we turned the game around in the second half was absolutely brilliant – intense pressing, creating loads of opportunities,” he said.
Hellberg admitted the first half had been disappointing, citing a lack of intensity and poor pressing structure that gave West Brom too much time on the ball. “We were terrible in the first half, honest. We lacked intensity in how we pressed and made basic mistakes when we had the ball.
The second half was a completely different story – we fought for every duel and earned the win fair and square,” he added. West Brom’s James Morrison reflected on his team’s performance, acknowledging the frustration of conceding a controversial goal. “We talk a lot about managing momentum and the start of halves.
The goal was off‑side, but I won’t complain too much. We need to learn from this and avoid silly goals in the future,” he said. Morrison highlighted the club’s rebuilding phase, noting that growing pains are inevitable as the squad seeks to establish a new identity.
Beyond the on‑field action, the match featured a few logistical notes for fans. Viewers were reminded to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience, and the club promoted the free Championship highlights service for those who missed the live broadcast.
Additionally, a reminder about the Sky Bet Super 6 competition offered fans a chance to win £250,000, emphasizing the club’s engagement with its supporter base. Overall, Middlesbrough’s win over West Brom demonstrated the impact of strategic summer acquisitions, the importance of tactical adjustments at halftime, and the emotional connection between the club and its community, especially in honoring the memory of local police officers who tragically lost their lives just miles from the Riverside Stadium.