Slovakian Tomas Rigo’s first goal in 21 appearances for the Potters gave the home team a deserved interval lead and brief return to a play-off spot.

However, for the second time in six days Kim Hellberg’s side came from behind to leapfrog Ipswich into second, six points behind Coventry.

Sunderland loanee Browne equalised after 48 minutes – the first goal conceded by Stoke in 2026 following four clean sheets – before centring  superbly for Tommy Conway to register his fourth goal of the season 11 minutes later as the second tier’s meanest defence was cracked again.

Stoke’s misery was complete 15 minutes from time when defender Bosun Lawal received a second booking for a tackle on Aidan Morris.

Middlesbrough’s third successive league win was a relief to goalkeeper Sol Brynn for his part in Rigo’s goal.

Defender Matt Targett was initially conceded possession but there was no imminent danger. However, the former Banik Ostrava midfielder’s low 20-yard shot ended up in the net as Brynn failed to push the ball away.

Boro came from 2-0 down to beat West Brom 3-2 last Friday and again proved slow starters.

Brynn partially atoned after 28 minutes, tipping Million Manhoef’s left foot curler onto the crossbar, before Tommy Simkin, deputising for Stoke’s injured new goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu – was eventually called into action 10 minutes before half-time.

Simkin could not hold Morris’ attempt from outside the area but Ben Wilmot cleared the loose ball.

He also spilled Boro’s next effort from Targett but Morgan Whittaker was offside as he tried to net the rebound.

Brynn was next in action, saving Lamine Cisse’s close-range attempt at the expense of a corner in a lively end to an entertaining first period.

It was too lively for Hellberg, who brought on West Brom matchwinner Delano Burgzorg and Leo Castledine for Alex Gilbert and Sam Silvera after the break.

Within three minutes the Teessiders levelled. Simkin kept out efforts from Hayden Hackney and Morris before Browne smashed in the loose ball from four yards.

Luke Ayling’s tackle on Lawal earned the former Leeds man only a booking from referee Adam Herczeg – not the red card demanded by home fans.

There was further unrest when the visitors completed their comeback. Browne was the provider with a sweet delivery from the right and although Conway scuffed his first attempt, he recovered quickest to swivel and tap the ball home from inches out.

Simkin prevented the scorer doubling his tally after 66 minutes to keep Stoke in contention.

Brynn palmed away Sorba Thomas’s 80th-minute free-kick and kept out Cisse’s stoppage-time header to ensure Boro’s win.