boyle: Haji Wright hat-trick takes Coventry top with 3-1 win over Middlesbrough
Coventry City climbed to the top of the Championship after Haji Wright's hat-trick powered a 3-1 victory over in-form Middlesbrough tonight (ET). The win puts Coventry one point ahead of their visitors and six clear of third place, offering momentum in a tight promotion race.
Wright delivers when it mattered
Wright opened the scoring after 21 minutes, having earlier hit the post, and he doubled the lead 10 minutes after the break to put Coventry in a commanding position. Middlesbrough rallied when Riley McGree pulled one back, but a penalty awarded when Matt Targett handled in the area allowed Wright to seal the result from the spot and complete his treble, his 13th goal of the season.
The forward's performance provided the attacking spark Coventry have needed at crucial moments. Manager Frank Lampard praised Wright's work ethic and timing, noting that the striker keeps his head down and delivers in high-level games. Lampard stressed the victory should be treated as a template rather than a ticket to celebration — there are still many points to play for and tougher fixtures ahead, including a trip to West Brom.
Middlesbrough reaction and fine margins
Middlesbrough had been on a six-game winning run before tonight, and defeat drops them back to second after a brief spell at the summit. Defender Luke Ayling highlighted the small moments that swung the match, saying the team were poor on the ball in the first half and allowed the home crowd into the game. He pointed to missed chances and decisive moments that ultimately killed Middlesbrough's momentum.
From Middlesbrough’s perspective, the result is a reminder of how slender top-of-the-table margins can be. They return home with two winnable games ahead against struggling opposition, a chance to regroup and reassert themselves in the promotion race.
League implications and what comes next
The outcome reshuffles the top of the table: Coventry now lead by a single point, with the chasing pack still close enough to make the final run-in unpredictable. Lampard warned his squad not to get carried away and to focus on the process — preparation, discipline and execution — across the remaining fixtures.
For Coventry, tonight’s result could mark a turning point if they can maintain consistency. For Middlesbrough, the immediate priority is recovery and responding in their next fixtures to keep pressure on the leaders. Both clubs know the season is far from decided; fine margins in single matches like this are likely to determine who secures promotion when the campaign reaches its climax.
In a Championship campaign that continues to deliver drama, Wright’s hat-trick will be remembered as a decisive individual performance that altered the standings and intensified the battle for the top two places.
