West Brom 2-3 Middlesbrough

Delano Bergsorg came off the bench to help Middlesbrough claim a dramatic 3-2 win over West Brom in Eric Ramsey’s first game in charge at the Hawthorns.

The new side fought back from a two-goal deficit and it looked like Ramsey would snatch a point in the first game, but Burgsorg’s late attack handed the Baggies their 14th defeat in the league this season, with only bottom club Sheffield Wednesday losing more.

Middlesbrough had a possession count in the first half when Alex Gilbert’s shot hit the post and Charlie Taylor forced it into his own net, and Sam Silvera doubled his season account in the second half.

West Brom had a two-goal lead before they woke up. Isaac Price’s free-kick halved the deficit and within minutes Jed Wallace came off the bench to equalize, but Burgzorg restored the points for Boro.

A change in head coach could not end the Baggies’ misfortune as Kim Helberg’s Middlesbrough closed within three points of league leaders Coventry.

It was an almost perfect start for the new Baggies manager after Ohne Heggebo poked into Luke Ayling’s pocket, but the Norwegian had his effort snuffed out by the onrushing Sol Bryn.

The bright start lasted just 10 minutes, and it took the second-placed visitors 25 minutes to find their rhythm, but they were unable to keep out Aidan Morris’ first shot of the game after cutting inside.

Boro began to gain the upper hand in the match and had their first shot on target in the 38th minute, but Morgan Whittaker’s free-kick was easily saved by Josh Griffiths.

In a flurry of action at both ends of the pitch, the two goalkeepers each made another save, with Bullin denying Karlan Grant’s goal at one end of the pitch and Griffiths effortlessly collecting Tommy Conway’s shot at the other end.

Boro were fortunate to break the deadlock three minutes before the break. Gilbert’s long-range shot hit the post and Taylor, unable to find his feet, smashed a clearance into his own goal.

Hegebo rallied to get the hosts back into the contest, with Bryn making his third effort with a snap shot from outside the area.

Ramsey filmed his frustration on the touchline as he saw his team trailing by two points. Boro broke on the counter and Whittaker picked out Silvera on the right, who fired an arrow past Griffiths and into the back of the goal.

West Brom went for a penalty as Grant appeared to be brought down in the area, but referee Josh Smith awarded a free-kick, but it ultimately did not matter as Price fired his shot past Bryn.

Momentum swung completely in the hosts’ favor and five minutes later Samuel Illing-Junior’s low cross was found at the feet of Wallace, who fired home for a wonderful equalizer.

But it was the same old story for West Brom. They conceded a late goal for the second time in a row, giving Boro a point in the 90th minute when Burgzorg beat Griffiths from close range.

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West Brom’s Eric Ramsey:

“It’s hard not to be too disappointed, I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t.

“Certainly, after we returned to the game, we could only see one winner, but the fact that we didn’t win is disappointing.

“I’m firmly immersed in the process of getting better and I don’t want to get too caught up in the ups and downs, but it’s hard not to go through that today. It’s hard as a human being not to get caught up in a situation like that.

“After three days of some difficulties, when you take the emotions out and see a very balanced game against a very good team, it will make us happy to be able to move forward.

“Losing a game at home is not ideal at this stage of the season, and that remains the same for me.”

Kim Helberg of Middlesbrough:

“Winning in the last minutes is a feeling you don’t get anywhere else.

“I was happy and seeing everyone on the bench so happy, I think it was one of the best moments since I’ve been here.

“It was a great goal in the 90 minutes, but going 2-0 is good for your heart, so if I had a choice I would do it.”