After suddenly losing their sole lead in the Championship, accumulating only one point in three games, Coventry regained first place by defeating Middlesbrough 3-1 in a direct clash for promotion to the Premier League this Monday. Center forward Haji Wright was the hero of the match, scoring a hat trick (21', 55', and 71'). The American player was signed in 2023 and ended up filling the void left by Viktor Gyokeres, who departed Coventry to sign with Sporting. The second goal also drew attention as it was assisted by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. "Middlesbrough is a top team; we knew it would be a big challenge, but we know what we can do and what we can impose on them, and that’s what we did tonight," Wright told Sky Sports after the game, having scored 45 goals for Coventry since Gyokeres' departure. Frank Lampard, who is looking to return to the Premier League after stints with Chelsea and Everton, urged his players to keep their feet on the ground: "We can't overindulge in celebrations; this is just a moment. Now we move on to the next game." Both teams still have 14 games left to complete the 46 matches of the Championship. Coventry leads with 62 points, one ahead of Middlesbrough. Millwall, in third place, has 56 points – the top two teams are promoted directly to the Premier League; teams finishing between third and sixth place will compete in a playoff for promotion.
Haji Wright The American remains central to this story.
Haji Wright The American remains central to this story.
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