Late Equalizer Keeps Middlesbrough Unbeaten in Championship
Sontje Hansen scored his first goal for Middlesbrough in stoppage time, ensuring the Teessiders maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship season during a thrilling match at Deepdale.
Hansen, who joined the club this summer from NEC Nijmegen, found the net in the second minute of added time after a chaotic scramble in front of goal.
Despite missing the opportunity to win their first five league games for the first time in their 149-year history, Middlesbrough demonstrated resilience by coming from behind twice in the match.
Preston appeared to have clinched victory in the 88th minute when defender Jordan Storey headed in to regain their lead. However, Rob Edwards' side showed determination and fought back, with Hansen's late equalizer securing a point and preserving their position at the top of the Championship table.
Middlesbrough, who introduced Slovakia striker David Strelec for his second-half debut, had previously lost their last five visits to Preston. Edwards expressed his delight at the character his team displayed throughout the match.
On the other hand, North End will be disappointed not to have secured the win after Lewis Dobbin opened the scoring with a stunning goal. Dobbin, eager to revitalize his career after a £10 million move from Everton to Aston Villa, shone on the left flank for Preston and scored from the edge of the box in the 22nd minute.
Both teams missed opportunities before Matt Targett equalized for Middlesbrough with a volley in the 72nd minute, following excellent skill from teenager Sverre Nypan.
After Storey’s late header from a corner seemed to seal the win for Preston, Hansen's timely intervention sent the 5,600 away fans into a frenzy as Middlesbrough relentlessly attacked in the additional time.
Reactions from the Managers
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Lancashire: "As I’ve told the players, it’s a bit deflating to concede so late. If we had maintained our performance levels and hadn’t allowed that late equalizer, we would all be celebrating. We need to reflect on the overall game, and I’m really pleased with it. It was an entertaining match, and I’m proud of the team."
Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards commented to BBC Radio Tees: "I thoroughly enjoyed the game. It was an excellent match of football, and I appreciated the performance. No team has a right to win games easily, and Preston proved to be a strong opponent today. We showed great character by coming from behind twice, which is a new challenge for us this season."