Overview
- Middlesbrough came from behind to beat newly promoted Lincoln City 2-1, with Will Lankshear scoring an equaliser around the 62nd minute and a stoppage-time winner to clinch the victory.
- Adam Reach gave Lincoln the lead in the 12th minute as the visitors, playing their first Championship match in 65 years, started strongly.
- Lankshear's brace marked his first league appearance for Boro after his summer move and underlined the immediate impact of Middlesbrough's recruitment.
- Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg said he had the first-half structure wrong but praised the players' second-half response and the crowd for helping turn the game.
- Lincoln's superb run of 29 matches without defeat in all competitions was brought to an end by this result on Saturday 15 August 2026, leaving the promoted side to reflect on lessons for the higher level.