Ryan Mason calls for West Brom to 'be better' as he pinpoints key moments in Middlesbrough defeat

Aune Heggebo pulled one back as Mason's men attempted a last-gasp fight-back but it was not enough as Albion's encouraging start to the season was further checked.

Albion's head coach felt the first goal was always likely to be decisive at the Riverside and the manner of it - a long throw-in from George Edmundson was flicked on by Luke Ayling for striker David Strelec to convert - was desperately poor from a Baggies perspective.

Mason had attempted to shore up his side to tackle the leaders as defensive-minded midfielder Ousmane Diakite, himself a presence aerially, was included from the off for Mikey Johnston. Winger Johnston was very bright when introduced for the visitors on the hour, just after Boro's second.

"Disappointment because we've lost the game. That's the overall emotion," Mason said.

"I think it was a tight game. I didn't feel like there was much in it in the first half. It was one of those games where the first goal was probably going to dictate how the game went. I don't think either team really created too much in the first half from memory.

"We had a really good chance right at the start of the game from a set play. It didn't go our way and then we concede in the nature we did, which is disappointing.

"In the second half, I thought we played a really good game. They scored in probably our best moment in terms of chance creation.

"I think Isaac (Price) had a header. I think Oussie (Diakite) had a really good opportunity just before they scored.

"The moments in the game, I felt, went their way and they took their opportunities. That's football. That's part of the game and we have to be better at that."

Nat Phillips had an effort saved inside the first minute for Albion before Boro saw a lot of the ball and bagged a soft opener after 26 minutes.

Albion's best spell was the start of the second half, where Isaac Price headed wide from close range, Jed Wallace drilled wide and Diakite drew a save from Sol Brynn.

Mason lined up the introductions of Johnston and loan midfielder Toby Collyer just before 60 minutes, with his side pushing to cancel out the one-goal deficit, but Rob Edwards' hosts worked a fine flowing team move for Kaly Sene to double the lead.

The visitors' initial plan, however, came a cropper with Strelec's opener. 

"Yes, of course, it's a big part of the game," Mason said of his frustration at Boro's opener. "We know that. We've won a game of football this season for a long throw-in goal.

"We understand the danger and the demands of it and how you need to approach it. Unfortunately for us, we've come out on the wrong end of it today. It's something we're aware of."