Will Lankshear announced himself to Middlesbrough supporters in the finest possible fashion, scoring the only goal on his debut as Boro edged past Wrexham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup first round on Friday.
The 21-year-old, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur for £10 million this summer, broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a brilliant first-time volley into the far corner after Leo Castledine had headed Jeremy Sarmiento's cross directly into his path.
Middlesbrough had come close as early as the seventh minute when Adilson Malanda prodded a Sebastian Berhalter cross goalwards, only for Danny Ward to produce a point-blank save. Wrexham also had their moments, with Danny Imray squandering a headed chance from a Callum Doyle cross, and Sam Smith firing low into the legs of Sol Brynn shortly before the interval.
Lankshear himself curled an effort just over the bar at the start of the second half before his breakthrough moment arrived. Morgan Whittaker struck the post in the closing stages, but Boro held on to advance to the second round.
Wolves cruise through with dominant first-half display
Wolverhampton Wanderers required barely 45 minutes to settle their first-round tie, goals from Adam Armstrong, Andre, and Fer Lopez putting them 3-0 ahead of Port Vale at half-time. The final score remained at 3-0, as Cesar Peixoto — taking charge of his first competitive match as Wolves manager — oversaw a comfortable evening at Molineux.
Port Vale, who compete in League Two, had moments of their own. Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel wasted a glorious chance before the break, and Mo Faal's penalty was saved by Dan Bentley to deny Vale's travelling supporters any consolation. A crowd of 21,360 were inside Molineux, though many were more focused on welcoming back Raul Jimenez.
The Mexican striker, Wolves' top Premier League scorer, re-joined the club this summer after three seasons at Fulham. He entered the action as a late substitute and did manage one fierce shot on goal, but could not cap his return with a goal. Wolves advance to round two regardless.
Magennis snatches late winner for Stevenage
Josh Magennis delivered the most dramatic moment of the evening, heading home a 95th-minute winner as Stevenage defeated Wycombe 2-1 to advance in the Carabao Cup.
The summer signing, who arrived from Exeter, rose to meet Phoenix Patterson's left-wing corner and powered his header into the net, sending Stevenage through in fitting style on the club's 50th anniversary season.
Dan Kemp had given Stevenage the lead in the 27th minute, capitalising on hesitancy in the Wycombe defence to fire low past the goalkeeper. Wycombe responded swiftly, with Ewan Henderson equalising in the 38th minute after Silko Thomas' cross from the left found him unmarked to finish right-footed from just outside the six-yard box.
Kemp struck the bar on the stroke of half-time, and Wycombe pressed throughout the second period without finding a way through. Substitute Emre Tezgel was denied by Stevenage captain Carl Piergianni in the 77th minute, before Magennis had the final say.
