Middlesbrough came from behind to beat Lincoln City 2-1 at the Riverside on the opening day of the Championship season, a second-half double from Will Lankshear on his first league appearance for the club ending a 29-game unbeaten run in all competitions for the newly promoted Imps that stretched back to early December.
Adam Reach put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute, set up by Tendayi Darikwa, on Lincoln's first match back in the second tier after 65 years away. Lankshear levelled in the 61st minute and struck the winner in stoppage time, converting a chance created by Riley McGree, one of three Middlesbrough substitutes introduced together just after the hour.
Freddie Draper was booked for time-wasting in the 35th minute for Lincoln, and his replacement, Isaac Olaofe, was cautioned for a foul in the 88th. Middlesbrough, who had spent more than £20m on summer signings, finished with 76% of possession and seven shots on target to Lincoln's two.
It was the first league match in charge for Lincoln's new joint head coaches, Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen, who replaced Michael Skubala after he left for Bristol City having led the Imps to 103 points and the League One title. Lincoln, tipped by bookmakers to struggle at this level, had beaten fellow Championship side Derby County in the Carabao Cup the previous weekend.