Middlesbrough secured a winning start to the 2026/27 season with a 1-0 victory over Wrexham in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Friday, 7 August.
Will Lankshear marked his Middlesbrough debut with the decisive goal, striking a superb volley just after the hour to settle a tight encounter at the Riverside and book Boro's place in the second-round draw.
First-Half Chances
Both sides created opportunities in an even opening period. Wrexham threatened early when Ollie Rathbone was unable to make clean contact on an inviting delivery from the left in the third minute. Lankshear proved a constant threat to the visitors' backline and had his first chance after receiving a cross from summer arrival Sebastian Berhalter, but Danny Ward made a stunning reaction save from point-blank range.
Middlesbrough had two penalty appeals rejected in the first half. At the other end, Sol Brynn made a superb save with his leg to deny Sam Smith, while Rathbone drilled narrowly wide as Wrexham continued their bright spell. Lankshear headed narrowly over the crossbar as Middlesbrough ended the half the stronger.
Lankshear's Breakthrough
Manager Kim Hellberg's side stepped up their intensity after the break, with Lankshear, Morgan Whittaker and Berhalter all having efforts within 15 minutes of the restart.
The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute. Jeremy Sarmiento's cross from the left was headed deftly across the area by Berhalter to Lankshear, who hooked it into the bottom corner on the volley.
