Senegalese forward Kaly Sène nets first goal as Middlesbrough edge West Brom 

Middlesbrough secured a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Friday evening, with Senegalese forward Mamadou Kaly Sène scoring his first goal for the club to help extend their unbeaten start to the Championship season.

The result keeps Rob Edwards’ side firmly at the top of the table, building on a run that has seen them establish themselves as early pace-setters.

Coming into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at Preston North End, Boro responded with authority to return to winning ways at the Riverside.

Strong start rewarded

The hosts dominated the early exchanges and their pressure paid off midway through the first half.

Slovakian striker David Strelec capitalised on a well-worked move to slot home in the 26th minute, giving Middlesbrough a deserved lead.

West Brom struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined and energetic Boro side that pressed high and looked threatening every time they pushed forward.

Sène off the mark

After the restart, the home crowd was treated to a moment of significance as new signing Mamadou Kaly Sène opened his account for the club.

The Senegalese forward, who joined this summer, unleashed a precise low drive across goal in the 61st minute, leaving the West Brom goalkeeper with no chance.

The strike underlined why Edwards was so keen to bring him in, adding pace and directness to Middlesbrough’s attacking options.

It was also a confidence boost for the 23-year-old, who had been searching for his breakthrough moment in English football.

Nervous finish

Despite Boro’s control, the visitors managed to set up a tense finale.

In the final minute of normal time, Norwegian striker Aune Heggebø pulled one back for West Brom with a close-range effort, but it was too late to change the outcome.

The victory means Middlesbrough sit provisionally four points clear at the top of the Championship, with Stoke City—currently their closest challengers—set to play away at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Unbeaten momentum

For Edwards and his players, the win reinforced their status as early title contenders.

With six matches played, Middlesbrough remain unbeaten and have showcased both attacking flair and defensive resilience.

The spotlight, however, will fall on Kaly Sène, whose first goal in English football may mark the beginning of a fruitful spell at the club.

His contribution not only sealed the three points but also offered a glimpse of the extra dimension he could bring to Middlesbrough’s promotion push.