What Ryan Mason will have learned from West Brom's loss to Lincoln in pre-season

Ryan Mason will have learned an awful lot more about his new side during last week in the three pre-season friendlies that they played.

Albion weren’t at it in their most recent display at Lincoln on Saturday which was their penultimate pre-season game. 

The Baggies were stunned by the hosts who opened the scoring in just 45-seconds and added a second inside the third minute, and Mason’s side were unable to recover.

There is still plenty of time, but with less two weeks to go until the start of the Championship season, Mason will be hoping for a quick fix.

Apart from League One’s Lincoln City looking like an impressive outfit, here are five things that the Albion boss will have learned.

Improve at the back

Albion were sloppy at the back at times during the loss. Lincoln’s high press forced mistakes including misplaced passes.

Although they got away with mistakes on occasions, Albion will know that they cannot afford to gift opposition of even better quality a sniff at goal, or else they will be punished. 

It was a slow start from Albion who were unable to deal with an early ball over the top which led to a corner and the opening goal. 

They then allowed Jovon Makama to unleash a shot towards goal less than two minutes later for his and Lincoln’s second. 

More threat on goal needed

Albion gave Lincoln little to worry about during the first-half.

New signing Aune Heggebo was handed a start, but unable to get a foothold in the game. The 23-year-old was short of supply and unable to test the Imps’ goal. 

Karlon Grant appeared to move to a more central and forward position for the second-half, and things looked to have improved. Heggebo made runs in behind and was unlucky to see a good team move cut out, and Grant grabbed Baggies’ first goal.

But, alongside the need to tighten at the back, Mason will want to see improvements in the final third.

Mikey Johnston was introduced midway through the second period and immediately caused grief for the Lincoln defence. 

Tom Fellows is lively

On a disappointing afternoon where Albion certainly didn’t set the world alight, Tom Fellows offered a spark and tested the Lincoln defence.

After going behind early-on, Fellows enjoyed success down the right wing, looking to cross into the box and create chances, and earning several corners.

The Baggies academy graduate who recently turned 22 showed Baggies fans and Mason how he can affect a game. 

Maja return a great sight

There were few better sights for the travelling Baggies faithful than the return to action for Josh Maja, and his availability after a lengthy spell out with injury will no doubt please Mason too.

But, after his time away from the pitch, it will take time for Maja to reach full match fitness. 

On Saturday’s performance, it’s evident that Maja could have a big part to play towards the top end of the pitch for Albion this season, and Mason will need attacking options to turn to when needed.

Style 

As found after the defeat to Blackpool, there is work to be done on the way that Mason wants his Albion team to play.

The Baggies sometimes struggled to play out from the back under pressure from Lincoln’s front men.

Successful teams are often built on healthy competition for places, and after the Lincoln defeat, Mason may ponder over some areas for improvement or that require depth.

The left-back position is still one that the Baggies boss may look to recruit for. New signing George Campbell, who is traditionally a centre back, played there in the second-half.