Match report

Middlesbrough Defeats Norwich 1-0 in Championship Clash

Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough
1–0
FT
Norwich
Norwich
Jan 31, 2026

Middlesbrough secured a hard-fought win over Norwich in the Championship on January 31st, 2026. The decisive goal came early through H. Hackney's strike from an assist by R. McGree at the 17th minute mark. Despite several substitutions and yellow cards issued throughout the game, Middlesbrough held their ground to secure a crucial three points.

Key Facts

  • • Final score: Middlesbrough 1-0 Norwich
  • • Goal scorer: H. Hackney (17th minute)
  • • Assist provider: R. McGree
  • • Yellow cards for Norwich: Vladan Kovačević, A. Slimane
  • • Substitutions made by both teams throughout the match

Lineups

Middlesbrough

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI

  • 31 S. Brynn (G)
  • 2 C. Brittain (D)
  • 12 L. Ayling (D)
  • 29 A. Malanda (D)
  • 3 M. Targett (D)
  • 16 A. Browne (M)
  • 18 A. Morris (M)
  • 7 H. Hackney (M)
  • 11 M. Whittaker (F)
  • 9 T. Conway (F)
  • 8 R. McGree (F)

Substitutes

  • 33 J. McLaughlin
  • 6 D. Fry
  • 13 D. Strelec
  • 14 A. Gilbert
  • 15 F. Munroe
  • 19 S. Nypan
  • 22 S. Silvera
  • 27 S. Hansen
  • 45 J. Sarmiento

Norwich

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 V. Kovacevic (G)
  • 35 K. Fisher (D)
  • 15 R. McConville (D)
  • 33 J. Cordoba (D)
  • 14 B. Chrisene (D)
  • 23 K. McLean (M)
  • 16 J. Wright (M)
  • 19 P. A. Diallo (M)
  • 20 A. Slimane (M)
  • 21 A. Ahmed (M)
  • 24 J. Makama (F)

Substitutes

  • 32 D. Grimshaw
  • 3 J. Stacey
  • 6 H. Darling
  • 8 L. Gibbs
  • 10 M. Jurasek
  • 11 E. Marcondes
  • 29 O. Schwartau
  • 30 M. Kvistgaarden
  • 46 E. Mundle Smith

Timeline

  1. Middlesbrough
    17' Middlesbrough Goal · Normal Goal
    H. Hackney · Assist: R. McGree
  2. Norwich
    56' Norwich Card · Yellow Card
    Vladan Kovačević

    Foul

  3. Norwich
    59' Norwich subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Jacob Wright · On: O. Schwartau
  4. Norwich
    59' Norwich subst · Substitution 2
    Off: P. A. Diallo · On: M. Kvistgaarden
  5. Middlesbrough
    62' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 1
    Off: R. McGree · On: A. Gilbert
  6. Middlesbrough
    71' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 2
    Off: C. Brittain · On: D. Fry
  7. Middlesbrough
    71' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 3
    Off: M. Whittaker · On: D. Strelec
  8. Middlesbrough
    72' Middlesbrough Card · Yellow Card
    D. Strelec

    Foul

  9. Norwich
    80' Norwich Card · Yellow Card
    A. Slimane

    Foul

  10. Norwich
    82' Norwich subst · Substitution 3
    Off: A. Ahmed · On: M. Jurasek
  11. Middlesbrough
    86' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 4
    Off: T. Conway · On: J. Sarmiento

Match Stats

Stat Middlesbrough Norwich
Fouls 12 18
Pass Accuracy 81% 76%
Offsides 4 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 9 8
Corners 3 5
Total Passes 478 376
Yellow Cards 2 2
Blocked Shots 2 1
Shots on Target 5 3
xG 0.50 0.53
Shots off Target 2 5
Possession 56% 44%
Goals Prevented 0 0
Accurate Passes 387 284
Shots Inside Box 4 6
Saves 3 4
Shots Outside Box 5 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ H. Hackney's goal in the 17th minute set Middlesbrough on course for victory and established early momentum.
  • ▸ Norwich's yellow card given to Vladan Kovačević in the 56th minute likely disrupted their rhythm, providing a turning point in favor of Middlesbrough.