Middlesbrough secured a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, moving up to second place in the Championship standings. The win extended the team’s strong start to the season following their defeat in the recent play-off final.

Will Lankshear, who joined Middlesbrough from Tottenham in the summer, scored the decisive goal, marking his seventh for the club since his transfer. The goal proved enough to earn the three points as Middlesbrough maintained pressure on the league leaders.

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg expressed optimism about the squad’s progression, describing the win as a significant step forward. "This team is going to get really better and this win is a big one," Hellberg said after the match, emphasizing confidence in the team’s development and potential for further success.

The result allowed Middlesbrough to leapfrog QPR in the table, underscoring their intent to remain contenders for promotion as the season continues. Meanwhile, QPR, playing at home, were unable to capitalize on their position and dropped to third following the defeat.