LONDON, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Middlesbrough extended their lead at the top of English football's second-tier Championship with a 2-1 win at home to West Bromwich Albion on Friday.

Victory meant Boro have won 16 points out of a possible 18 early in the season, with their fifth win six games moving them four points clear of Stoke.

Transfer-window arrivals David Strelec and substitute Kaly Sene scored their first goals for the northeast side, one in each half, as Boro maintained the buoyant mood generated by coach Rob Edwards in his opening weeks at the club.

Norway striker Aune Heggebo pulled one back late on for West Brom with a header.

The Midlands club remain fifth, but the Baggies could drop down the table following the rest of the weekend's fixtures.