Fulham Fight Back to Beat Middlesbrough 3-1 in FA Cup Third Round Thriller

11 January 2026 Football

Introduction: FA Cup Drama at Craven Cottage

The magic of the FA Cup was on full display at Craven Cottage on 10 January 2026, as Fulham came from behind to defeat Middlesbrough 3-1 in the third round. This compelling encounter showcased the Premier League side’s resilience and determination, while Championship promotion-chasers Middlesbrough demonstrated why they deserve respect as serious contenders. Almost 5,000 Boro fans made the trip to Craven Cottage, creating an electric atmosphere for this cup clash.

First Half: Middlesbrough Take Control

Hayden Hackney gave the second-placed Championship side a deserved lead in the opening period at Craven Cottage, rewarding Middlesbrough’s impressive first-half performance. The visitors looked confident and organised, putting Fulham under significant pressure. Wilson, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney were all introduced just 10 minutes after the break, as manager Marco Silva recognised the need for his experienced stars to turn the tide.

Second Half Comeback: Fulham’s Big Guns Fire

The match transformed dramatically after Fulham’s tactical changes. Substitute Wilson struck a brilliant equaliser on the hour mark, curling home a spectacular effort that shifted momentum decisively. Tommy Conway hit the crossbar for Boro moments later only to see Smith Rowe then put Fulham ahead with 13 minutes to go. Kevin put the gloss on the victory with a third for the hosts in stoppage time, securing Fulham’s passage to the fourth round.

Conclusion: Respect and Disappointment

Fulham had to pay Middlesbrough the ultimate compliment as they came from behind to win 3-1, demonstrating the Championship side’s quality throughout. While the defeat marks an historic sixth consecutive FA Cup defeat for Boro, their performance suggested they can compete at the highest level. For Fulham, the victory extended their unbeaten streak to six consecutive matches, maintaining their impressive form across all competitions. This thrilling encounter reminded fans why the FA Cup remains English football’s most cherished knockout competition.