Middlesbrough vs Lincoln City: Championship stats & head-to-head

The comeback victory for last season’s beaten Championship play-off finalists consigned the 2025-26 third-tier title winners to their first league defeat since 22 November – with their incredible 29-game unbeaten run taking the Imps to promotion with a 103-point haul.

Lincoln’s Championship season-opening showing was all the more impressive for coming under the guidance of Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, who stepped up together as a head coaching double act to replace promotion-winning boss Michael Skubala after he left for Bristol City.

The pair worked as assistant coaches under Skubala and have quickly proved they are keen to keep the Imps playing with the same relentless endeavour that reaped huge rewards last term.

Reach gave Lincoln the ideal start with a side-footed finish after just 12 minutes, while it took two fine saves from Wickens to deny Lankshear and Kyle Joseph from restoring parity before the break.

Lankshear tested Wickens again after the interval and Morgan Whittaker sent an effort just over as the hosts continued to search for a way back into the game.

Tom Hamer sent a header over as Lincoln looked to double the advantage, but Lankshear eventually got the goal both he and Boro deserved just after the hour.

While Lincoln did find the back of the net again before the end, Tanto Olaofe’s finish was ruled out for offside in what was a frantic end with Lankshear hitting the woodwork before eventually linking up with Riley McGree to decide the game in the 91st minute.