Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg keeps the faith and hails 'brilliant' match-winner after tough times

MIDDLESBROUGH'S second successive away victory in less than a week was sweetened considerably by the player who proved to be their match-winner.

While the promotion-chasing Teessiders have secured a fair bit of kudos – individually and collectively – in a 2025-26 season which has gone much better than most envisaged, centre-forward Tommy Conway (pictured) has done it tough.

Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

placeholder image — Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

The Scottish international may have number nine on his back, but heading into Wednesday's game at Stoke City, his goal drought had stretched back to the end of August when he scored against Sheffield United.

It explained why he celebrated his 59th-minute winner in the Potteries, as Boro cast aside a dreadful first half to seal a 2-1 comeback win, with such emotion after netting for just the fourth time this term.

Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway (second right) scores their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

In the process, it provided vindication to head coach Kim Hellberg, who has repeatedly backed the ex-Bristol City man during his barren streak and extolled his selfless qualities which have proved so important to his team.

Hellberg said: "I am delighted for him. He deserves it and what a goal. Number nine goal, going in on the far post, top cross, scoring the decider away from home, 2-1, to turn the game around, he deserves absolutely everything.

"He's been brilliant. That's what I'm trying to do all the time, I'm trying to just help them develop, trying to help them. We talk about positions, how you work here, are you in the right position? Good, then the goals will come, that's no problem.

"We're more judging what he does than the result of what he does, if that makes sense. Because everyone can see if he scores or not from the shot, but I’m interested in: is he in the right position we're talking about? Does he help his friend?"

Boro certainly helped themselves as Hellberg's anger at a wretched opening half was replaced by a relieved smile by the end.

The Swede, who brought on ex-Huddersfield Town loanee Leo Castledine and former Terriers striker Delano Burgzorg at the break, added: "It was easy to feel sorry for ourselves. But this group worked through it against tough opponents.

"No one was happy with the first half, especially the first 25 minutes. The last 15 minutes were better and we started to turn the game round.

"But it was not good enough. The second was much better."