Middlesbrough's Sontje Hansen scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw against Preston North End in a Sky Bet Championship match. The late goal, coming just three minutes after Jordan Storey appeared to have sealed a Preston victory, ensured that Middlesbrough maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

The game at Deepdale saw Preston take the lead in the first half through a stunning solo effort from Lewis Dobbin. Dobbin, on loan from Aston Villa, drove forward and unleashed a left-footed strike into the top corner of the net. Middlesbrough struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances in the first half, with a shot from Hayden Hackney being their only real opportunity.

In the second half, Middlesbrough emerged with renewed vigor. Summer signing David Strelec was introduced as a half-time substitute. Their pressure eventually paid off when Matt Targett, making his first start for the club, volleyed home in the 72nd minute after a cross into the box, leveling the score.

However, Preston regained the lead in the 88th minute when Jordan Storey headed in from a Ben Whiteman corner. It looked as though Preston had secured all three points, but Middlesbrough continued to fight.

In the dying moments of the match, Middlesbrough earned a corner. After a scramble in the box and a save on the line from Preston keeper Daniel Iversen, substitute Sontje Hansen managed to force the ball over the line from close range, sending the away fans into celebrations.

Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards had made three changes to the team that beat Sheffield United before the international break. Matt Targett and Kaly Sene were handed their first starts, while Darragh Lenihan made his first competitive start since September 2023. New signings Alan Browne and David Strelec started on the bench. The result means Middlesbrough avoided what would have been their first defeat of the season, displaying resilience to come back twice in the match.