Middlesbrough overturned a 2‑0 deficit to beat West Brom 3‑2 at The Hawthorns on 16 January 2026, thanks to Delano Burgzorg’s decisive late volley. The win secured three crucial points, lifted Boro into the playoff race and highlighted their resilience under manager Keith Hawkins. The comeback featured a rapid second‑half surge, a crucial equaliser from Nathan Cole and a strong midfield performance that swung momentum in Boro’s favour.
Match Overview
The Championship clash turned into a thriller as West Brom opened the scoring early and built a two‑goal lead before Middlesbrough responded in the second half. Burgzorg’s 86th‑minute strike sealed the comeback, emphasizing the significance of late‑game impact in promotion‑chasing fixtures.
First Half: West Brom Take the Lead
West Brom, guided by Tony Mowbray, dominated the opening exchanges. Leon McKendry headed the first goal in the 28th minute after a swift wing‑back run from Jake Holloway. The hosts doubled the advantage just before halftime when substitute Connor Reid fired a low‑driven finish in the 44th minute, leaving the visitors trailing 0‑2.
Second Half: Middlesbrough’s Fight Back
Keith Hawkins instructed his side to press high and exploit the flanks. Within five minutes of the restart, Aaron Lindsey delivered a perfect through‑ball to Nathan Cole, whose low finish restored parity at 2‑2. Midfield anchor James Foster dictated possession while wing‑back Callum Ryder forced West Brom’s full‑backs to retreat, creating space for the attack.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when a corner from Dario Vazquez was flicked onto Marcos Alvarez’s head. Burgzorg arrived late, unleashed a thunderous volley that struck the post and rolled into the net, giving Middlesbrough a 3‑2 lead.
Key Moments
- 28’ – Leon McKendry heads West Brom ahead.
- 44’ – Connor Reid’s low finish makes it 2‑0.
- 49’ – Nathan Cole equalises after a Lindsey through‑ball.
- 78’ – Burgzorg’s volley from a Vazquez corner secures the lead.
- 85’ – Kian Miller’s effort rattles the post for West Brom.
Statistical Snapshot
- Shots: 19 total (Middlesbrough 8 on target, West Brom 6 on target)
- Possession: Middlesbrough 52 % – West Brom 48 %
- Passing Accuracy: Middlesbrough 84 % vs West Brom 78 %
- Key Player: Burgzorg – super‑sub with a decisive goal after 110 minutes of cumulative play.
Impact on the Championship Table
The victory lifts Middlesbrough to 6th place with 28 points, narrowing the gap to the playoff line to just two points. West Brom slips to 12th with 22 points, three points behind the playoff spots, and must address defensive lapses that cost them a late winner.
Future Implications
Middlesbrough’s next test against Preston North End will gauge whether they can maintain this away‑form momentum. West Brom, meanwhile, faces a crucial showdown with Sunderland and will need to tighten its back line, especially with injuries to James Miller and Ryan Cole limiting defensive options.
Key Takeaways
- Delano Burgzorg’s late winner turned a two‑goal deficit into three vital points.
- West Brom’s inability to protect a lead highlights defensive frailties that threaten their playoff ambitions.
- Middlesbrough’s comeback underscores growing belief and tactical flexibility under Keith Hawkins.
