Middlesbrough struggle without top scorer Will Lankshear in 2-0 defeat to Wrexham
Wrexham secured a crucial victory over Middlesbrough, who missed their key player due to injury.
Middlesbrough faced a setback in their Championship campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Wrexham, marking only their second league loss this season. The match took place in Wales, where Wrexham secured a vital win to relieve pressure on manager Phil Parkinson. George Thomason opened the scoring in the 71st minute, followed by a header from substitute Oli Rathbone in the 84th minute, providing Wrexham with their fourth victory of the season.
Boro arrived in the match with an impressive unbeaten streak of 11 league games. However, the absence of top scorer Will Lankshear, sidelined due to injury, significantly impacted their performance. Lankshear had netted 15 goals this season, matching the total goals scored by the entire Wrexham squad prior to the match. Without him, Middlesbrough struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the game.
Wrexham's performance improved after a disappointing loss to Sheffield United, prompting four changes to the starting lineup. Thomason and Max Cleworth returned from injury, while George Dobson and Ben Whiteman were also included. The adjustments paid off as Wrexham began to look more threatening, particularly in the latter stages of the first half, with several near misses before finally breaking the deadlock in the second half.
Despite a few opportunities for Middlesbrough, including a missed chance from Amario Cozier-Duberry, Wrexham capitalised on their momentum. Thomason's goal came after a defensive error, and Rathbone's late header sealed the victory. Wrexham's structured approach and energy were evident, as they managed to keep Boro at bay, showcasing their determination to climb away from the relegation zone.
via Sky Sports