SBOTOP: Hayden Hackney’s Late Equaliser Saves Middlesbrough as Wrexham Held to a 1–1 Draw at the Riverside

It was a cold, tension-filled evening at the Riverside Stadium, where Middlesbrough and newly promoted Wrexham battled to a thrilling 1–1 draw that had all the hallmarks of a classic Championship clash. In a game that oscillated between frustration and redemption, it was Hayden Hackney’s dramatic late strike that salvaged a point for Michael Carrick’s men and denied Wrexham a statement away victory.

For long stretches, Boro looked flat and uninspired, struggling to break down a compact and well-organized Wrexham defense. The visitors, meanwhile, showed composure beyond their years in the division, taking a deserved lead through Paul Mullin, whose predatory instincts again proved decisive. But when all seemed lost for the home side, Hackney—Middlesbrough’s academy jewel—stepped up with a moment of composure and brilliance to snatch a draw in stoppage time, reigniting hope among the Riverside faithful.

It may not have been the result Boro wanted, but it was a reminder of the Championship’s unforgiving nature, where every point must be fought for until the final whistle.

First Half Wrexham Hold Firm as Boro Struggle to Find Rhythm

The atmosphere at kickoff was electric. Middlesbrough, backed by over 27,000 fans, were eager to return to winning ways after a string of inconsistent performances. Michael Carrick fielded an attacking lineup in his familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, with Emmanuel Latte Lath leading the line, supported by Morgan Rogers, Riley McGree, and Sam Greenwood.

Wrexham, meanwhile, under the astute guidance of Phil Parkinson, stuck to their tried-and-tested 3-5-2 system, built on defensive solidity and swift transitions. Mullin and Ollie Palmer spearheaded the attack, while Elliot Lee orchestrated play from midfield.

From the first whistle, it was clear that Wrexham had come with a plan—to frustrate, disrupt, and capitalize on counterattacks. Middlesbrough dominated possession early, with Hackney and Jonny Howson dictating play from deep. However, Wrexham’s compact shape limited space between the lines, forcing Boro into sideways passes and hopeful long balls.

The visitors carved the first real chance of the game in the 12th minute. After a quick turnover, James Jones slipped a through ball into Mullin, who ghosted between the centre-backs. His low shot was well saved by Senni Dieng, but it served as a warning: Wrexham were not here to sit back quietly.

Boro responded with urgency. In the 18th minute, McGree’s curling shot from distance forced Ben Foster—the former England goalkeeper turned cult hero—to dive full stretch. The veteran parried it wide, drawing applause from both sets of supporters.

As the half wore on, frustration began to creep into Boro’s play. Their passing lacked tempo, and Wrexham’s defensive discipline nullified their wide threats. The visitors’ wing-backs, Callum McFadzean and Ryan Barnett, worked tirelessly to close down Bristol’s flanks, while centre-backs Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden dominated aerially.

The breakthrough finally came in the 39th minute, and it was vintage Wrexham. A misplaced pass in midfield from Howson was pounced on by Lee, who quickly released Mullin in behind. With defenders scrambling, the prolific striker showed trademark composure, feinting past Paddy McNair before drilling a low finish into the bottom corner beyond Dieng.

The away section erupted. Wrexham’s fans, who had made the long journey north, celebrated wildly as Mullin wheeled away with arms aloft—another reminder of why he has become the beating heart of this rising Welsh club.

Boro tried to respond before halftime but found little joy. A looping header from Latte Lath flew over the bar, while a McGree free-kick curled inches wide. As the whistle blew, the Riverside crowd grew restless, aware that their side had been outfought and outthought in the first half.

Halftime score: Middlesbrough 0–1 Wrexham.

Second Half Boro Turn Up the Heat

Carrick’s halftime talk clearly struck a chord. Middlesbrough returned to the pitch with renewed energy and intent. The manager made an early substitution, bringing on Alex Bangura for Rav van den Berg to add attacking thrust down the left.

The tempo immediately shifted. Boro began to stretch the field, using the width to pull Wrexham’s backline apart. Hackney, previously shackled, found more freedom to dictate play, while McGree and Greenwood interchanged fluidly to overload the right side.

In the 53rd minute, Boro nearly leveled. A dangerous cross from Bangura found Latte Lath unmarked at the near post, but his glancing header flew agonizingly wide. Moments later, Rogers unleashed a fierce drive from 25 yards that whistled past the upright.

Despite the pressure, Wrexham held firm. Their back three continued to repel wave after wave of attacks, and when Boro did break through, Foster’s experience came to the fore. In the 63rd minute, he denied Hackney’s curling effort with a fingertip save that drew gasps from the home crowd.

As the game entered its final quarter, Carrick made another bold move—introducing Josh Coburn, the tall academy striker, to partner Latte Lath up front. The tactical shift to a 4-4-2 signaled all-out attack, but it also left space for Wrexham to counter.

And they nearly punished Boro again. In the 74th minute, a quick break saw Mullin feed Palmer, who found Lee charging through the middle. The midfielder’s strike beat Dieng but cannoned off the crossbar, inches from doubling Wrexham’s lead.

That miss would prove costly.

Hackney’s Moment of Magic

As the clock ticked into the 88th minute, it looked like Wrexham would secure a famous away win. Their fans were already chanting loudly, counting down the final minutes. But football, as always, has a cruel way of flipping scripts.

Middlesbrough’s persistence finally paid off. A long diagonal ball from Howson found Bangura on the left flank. The substitute drove past his marker and swung in a dangerous cross. It was partially cleared by Tozer, but the ball dropped invitingly at the edge of the box—right where Hayden Hackney was waiting.

With one precise touch to set himself, the midfielder unleashed a low, swerving shot that flew past Foster’s outstretched hand and nestled into the corner of the net. The Riverside erupted in pure relief and elation. Hackney wheeled away toward the South Stand, punching the air as his teammates mobbed him in celebration.

It was a goal born of persistence and belief—a fitting reward for a player who embodies the heart and spirit of Middlesbrough’s academy.

In stoppage time, Boro pushed for a winner, buoyed by the crowd’s roar. McGree’s volley in the 93rd minute forced another superb save from Foster, but Wrexham’s defense held firm. When the final whistle sounded, both teams collapsed in exhaustion, having given everything.