Middlesbrough’s remarkable opening to the Championship season continued with a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside, as summer signings David Strelec and Kaly Sene scored their first goals for the club to ensure a fifth win from six games. Aune Heggebo’s late header set up a tense finale, but Rob Edwards’ side held on to make it the best start to a league campaign in the club’s history and move four points clear at the top.
Boro struck in each half, with Strelec pouncing from a long throw in the 26th minute before Sene, introduced at the break, doubled the lead just after the hour. West Brom, largely subdued before the interval, grew as an attacking force in the second half and were rewarded in the 90th minute when Norway striker Heggebo nodded home. It was not enough to prevent back-to-back defeats for Ryan Mason’s men, who began the season unbeaten but now face the prospect of slipping from fifth in a congested table.
New arrivals deliver as Boro make history
This was another evening that underlined the sense of renewal on Teesside under Edwards. Middlesbrough’s tally of 16 points from a possible 18 represents the best start to a league season in their history, and with three wins from three at the Riverside they have turned their home ground into an early fortress. The victory, achieved despite some uncomfortable spells, carried them four points clear of Stoke City at the Championship summit heading into the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.