'Scar tissue and anxiety' but Ryan Mason proud of West Brom players and fans

The Baggies secured a first home victory since the opening day with the 2-1 success to climb above the visitors and finish the weekend in fifth in the Championship.

Fine strikes from Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price made the difference but Preston pulled one back late on and Mason's side were made to show a resilient rearguard in nine minutes of stoppage time to ensure no further added time heartache at home this term.

"It's the nature of this league, 2-0 is not a result that is safe so you have to stay present, you have to stay alive in the game and be ready for anything," Mason said.

"It was disappointing, obviously, to concede because it didn't feel like they were creating a thing until a little bit of a mistake, which happens, and was punished.

"Then the feeling naturally changes inside the stadium. It gives them energy, it gives their fans energy.

"Some of the games we've had this season, we've conceded two goals in 90-plus minutes. Maybe there was a bit of anxiety or a bit of scar tissue with that, I don't know. 

"But the group on the pitch showed real determination to get the result over the line."

Albion took just one point from recent home games against Derby and Leicester, who both struck in the dying moments after the hosts had been the more dominant force.

Mason reserved praise for the role of the home support.

"I also thought the fans were just amazing," the head coach added. "They really were, leading up to the nine-minute stoppage time, which was also incredible.

"They really stood up. I think the fans helped us get over the line. The players certainly felt their energy. We enjoy this feeling because that's what we want.

"I'm not sure where the nine minutes come from. I need to speak to the fourth official because it seemed excessive considering they made four substitutions in one go. But we had to deal with it."