Berhalter’s assist sparks Boro’s Carabao Cup win over Wrexham

Sebastian Berhalter’s first appearance for Middlesbrough set up a crucial moment in the Carabao Cup first round as Will Lankshear’s debut strike secured a 1-0 victory over Wrexham.

The 61st-minute goal came after Berhalter, a summer arrival from the Vancouver Whitecaps, cushioned a header into Lankshear’s path. The new £10 million signing then hooked home a first-time volley to silence the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Adilson Malanda forced a sharp save from Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward after Berhalter’s cross found the Belgian defender inside the box.

Wrexham’s Danny Imray missed a clear chance midway through the first half when he failed to connect properly with Callum Doyle’s cross, while Sam Smith forced a low save from Sol Brynn after Nathan Broadhead played him into space.

Lankshear nearly doubled the lead early in the second half when his curling effort drifted just over the bar, but the striker did not have to wait long for his breakthrough.

Leo Castledine’s headed pass from Jeremy Sarmiento’s cross set up Lankshear, who swivelled and fired a first-time volley into the far corner. The goal marked his first for Middlesbrough in competitive action.

Wrexham pushed for an equalizer late on, with Morgan Whittaker’s strike hitting the post in the 87th minute, denying the visitors a share of the points.

Berhalter’s debut was part of a double dose of U.S. international debuts for Middlesbrough, who also fielded Max Arfsten, who joined from the Vancouver Whitecaps alongside Berhalter last week.

Referee Will Finnie controlled the match at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, where the home side began their campaign with a narrow but hard-fought win.