Hat-trick hero Wright sends Coventry top of the Championship | OneFootball

Haji Wright scored a hat-trick in Coventry’s 3-1 win over Middlesbrough to send his side top of the Championship.

The top of the table clash did not disappoint as Frank Lampard’s side returned to top spot. Wright secured the victory with his third goal in the 71st minute from the penalty spot to cap off a memorable night for the striker.

Matt Targett conceded the penalty when the ball struck his arm following Josh Eccles’ cross into the 18-yard box. Although Solomon Brynn dived the correct way, he could not stop Wright’s effort from hitting the back of the net.

The goal came just 17 seconds after the restart, once Middlesbrough got themselves back into the game thanks to an emphatic finish from Riley McGree. Aidan Morris’ initial effort was blocked, but the ball bounced back into the danger area to McGree. The Englishman met the ball and smashed it home to make it 2-1.

Wright’s first of the game came in the first half. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto was at the heart of the action, as he beat Targett before finding Jack Rudoni. The 24-year-old fed the ball through to Wright who guided the ball past Brynn to give the hosts the advantage.

Their second goal was totally against the run of play. Boro were probing in the early stages of the second half but could not find the equaliser. Unfortunately for them, all their intricate play was undone by a route one pass from Carl Rushworth.

The Sky Blues’ goalkeeper punted the ball long and found Wright, who thumped the ball past Brynn and into the far corner with his left foot to double his side’s advantage.

Even after Coventry re-established their two-goal cushion, Kim Hellberg’s side refused to give in. They maintained their onslaught on the Coventry goal, but the hosts’ defence held strong.

The all-action contest meant that Coventry returned to the summit of the Championship, one point clear of Boro. City face West Brom next, whilst Middlesbrough will look to bounce back against Oxford United.