Middlesbrough climbed back to the top of the EFL Championship table after securing a statement 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town at the Riverside Stadium. Goals from a Cedric Kipre own goal and Morgan Whittaker’s long-awaited first strike for the club gave Rob Edwards’ side a crucial win that reignited their promotion push.
After three games without a win, Boro produced a commanding performance under the lights to move two points clear of unbeaten Coventry City, who face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
The victory extended Middlesbrough’s excellent home record — 13 points from a possible 15 at the Riverside — and showcased the energy and intensity that Edwards has instilled since arriving from Luton Town in June.
Brynn’s Heroics Swing Momentum After Hirst’s Missed Penalty
Ipswich, one of the Championship’s pre-season promotion favourites, suffered their first defeat in six matches. Their evening took a decisive turn just before half-time when striker George Hirst missed a golden opportunity to give the visitors the lead.
Awarded a penalty after Callum Brittain fouled Leif Davis, Hirst stepped up — but his powerful strike was brilliantly saved by Boro goalkeeper Sol Brynn, who dived low to his right to produce a stunning one-handed stop.
Just minutes later, Middlesbrough took advantage of the shift in momentum. A low cross from David Burgzorg deflected off Kipre and into his own net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Whittaker Breaks Drought with First Boro Goal
The second half brought relief and redemption for Morgan Whittaker, who finally opened his Boro account after joining from Plymouth Argyle in January.
After David Strelec’s driven cross was parried by Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer, Whittaker reacted quickest to smash home from close range, doubling Middlesbrough’s advantage and sending the Riverside crowd into raptures.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder had come under criticism from fans last month, prompting Edwards to defend him publicly — and this goal felt like a turning point.
“I’m really proud of Morgan,” Edwards said post-match. “He’s worked hard, kept believing, and tonight he showed his quality. It was a magnificent second goal.”
Ipswich Fight Back but Fall Short
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna made four substitutions to spark a response, and his side improved late on. Captain Dara O’Shea headed in from Marcelino Núñez’s corner with 14 minutes to play, giving the visitors hope.
However, despite their late pressure, Ipswich couldn’t find an equaliser and remain winless away from home this season — collecting just two points from a possible 12 on their travels.
McKenna lamented his team’s mistakes, saying:
“We made too many mistakes to win the game. You can’t come to a tough place like this and be that open. We need to be more resilient and clinical.”
Edwards: ‘I Loved Us Tonight’
Boro boss Rob Edwards praised his team’s intensity and desire to bounce back after recent setbacks.
“I loved us tonight — the energy, the intensity, the work rate,” Edwards told BBC Radio Tees. “We dropped a few points and questions were asked, but we’ve delivered and answered them. We just need to stay consistent.”
Player of the Match: Sol Brynn (Middlesbrough)
Brynn’s penalty save proved the game’s turning point, earning him a match rating of 8.24 — the highest on the pitch. His composure and reflexes underlined his growing reputation as one of the Championship’s most promising young goalkeepers.
Championship Implications
With this win, Middlesbrough temporarily move top of the Championship table, two points clear of Coventry City. The result strengthens their early-season title credentials and reaffirms Edwards’ impact on Teesside.
If Coventry defeat Blackburn on Saturday, Boro could slip to second — but for now, the Riverside is buzzing again with belief and ambition.
Leave a Reply