‘MUSIC to my ears' was how Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson described hearing some Middlesbrough players 'moaning' at half-time about some of his side's challenges in the first half of Boro's deserved defeat on Wednesday evening.

It served as a timely reminder that the Championship course rarely runs smoothly and that you cannot always have things your own way.

Character and showing strength in adversity is high on the list of characteristics required for every successful promotion candidate at a level which has never been a respecter of reputations.

In that regard, the Wrexham lesson should be viewed as a timely one for leaders Boro, who certainly face a character examination at Watford today following a short turnaround in the wake of their first defeat in 12 league matches.

placeholder image — Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg.

Head coach Kim Hellberg said: "There are very few leagues that are like this – where you play away at somewhere like Wrexham, travel home and then are heading off again to the opposite end of the country three days later. That’s the challenge."

If the Racecourse Ground was the venue for arguably Boro's worst performance on the road since Hellberg took over last November, then Vicarage Road was probably where the Teessiders produced their poorest away display in 2025-26 - shortly before the Swede arrived.

Boro succumbed 3-0 and given the fair chance that attacking talisman Will Lankshear will not be risked, they may have to dig deep to secure redemption - and avoid feeling sorry for themselves.

Should Lankshear not be involved, Hellberg faces a decision up front. Kyle Joseph struggled at Wrexham and substitute David Strelec is not yet ready to start games following injury. Moving Tommy Conway inside is an option.