Coventry | Frank Lampard's side return to top of Championship

Coventry City 3 - 1 Middlesbrough

A potentially pivotal night in the Championship

Author | Frank L

Stadium | The Coventry Building Society Arena

Haji Wright's hat-trick sent Coventry City back to the top of the Championship with a deserved win over Middlesbrough.

Just seven days after losing their long-held lead to Boro, the Sky Blues regained it at the first opportunity with a display full of energy and effervescence.

Wright had only managed two goals in his previous 19 games but he chose the ideal night to return to top form. He had already headed one against the post when he scored midway through the first half before adding a second 10 minutes after the break.

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Riley McGree halved the deficit with a fine finish for the Teessiders, before Matt Targett conceded a penalty for handball 17 seconds after play had restarted. Wright then stepped up to put it away and seal a huge victory for Frank Lampard's side as they climbed back into first, one point above their opponents.

Thus ended a run of six straight wins for Boro, whose miserable record against the Sky Blues now extends to seven losses in a row.

It will take a couple of months before we all realise how important this result might be. 

Coventry look ready again for a title and promotion charge

Coventry had carved out a 10-point cushion with a 4-2 win at the Riverside in November, only for Middlesbrough to respond in kind and arrive here two points ahead.

The visitors had gathered momentum over recent weeks, while the Sky Blues’ winter wobble, four wins from 13 games either side of the festive period, had begun to look troubling.

That divergence was reflected in the team selections, with Middlesbrough unchanged and Coventry City making four changes after a disappointing goalless draw with Oxford United.

One of those recalled was Wright, and his impact was immediate.