Wrexham beat leaders Middlesbrough as Sam Smith faces nine-month absence

Wrexham beat Championship leaders Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Racecourse Ground on Wednesday, with George Thomason and substitute Ollie Rathbone scoring in the second half. The victory came alongside a serious injury update, as manager Phil Parkinson confirmed that striker Sam Smith faces an expected nine months out after damaging his cruciate ligament.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlO5KbUIAsA

According to Sky Sports' match report, Thomason broke the deadlock in the 71st minute after a Middlesbrough clearance reached him outside the penalty area. Rathbone then headed in Lewis O'Brien's cross in the 84th minute, completing the scoring after replacing Thomason. Both goals came after a goalless first half.

The result ended Middlesbrough's 11-match unbeaten league run and was only their second Championship defeat of the season. Wrexham recorded their fourth league win after consecutive losses to Blackburn and Sheffield United. Middlesbrough were without injured leading scorer Will Lankshear, and manager Kim Hellberg acknowledged that his side had not created many opportunities.

BBC Sport reported that Smith suffered his knee injury late in Wrexham's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Friday and was absent from the squad against Middlesbrough. Parkinson had already indicated before Wednesday's game that the 28-year-old would be unavailable for a period, but his post-match update established a much longer expected absence.

The manager said Smith is due to undergo surgery next Wednesday and is expected to miss the rest of the campaign. His nine-month estimate was given as part of that update. Smith joins an injury list that also includes Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead, Liberato Cacace and Callum O'Hare, according to the BBC.

Parkinson said previous setbacks had required Wrexham to respond collectively and that he would not accept players feeling sorry for themselves. He felt the team had appeared overwhelmed by its latest difficulties during the Sheffield United defeat, but insisted that could not become an excuse for their performances.

Against Middlesbrough, Parkinson praised his team's organisation and ability to close down space. In comments carried by Sky Sports, he highlighted their success in winning possession back as the kind of performance he wanted from his players.