Lewis Cox's West Brom analysis: Big day-one tick as Ryan Mason's side earn base to build from

Saturday's 1-0 success over Blackburn was enough for all Baggies inside an atmospheric Hawthorns depart enthused for the new campaign.

It was a hint of the past, present and what the hosts hope is a bright future at as Valerien Ismael prowled the away technical area. Ismael's men played some decent stuff at times, a far cry from the struggle at the end of his Albion stint, but they were toothless and the Baggies kept Rovers at arm's length.

The decisive moment ultimately arrived early after just a quarter of an hour, but there was much to admire for differing reasons late on in the clash as gritty Albion delivered a finale full of fight, spirit and togetherness.

Those are often buzz words supporters are sometimes reluctant to hear, but for a rookie head coach starting out on a journey at a new club in his first competitive fixture, to see that kind of commitment must be refreshing.

There was a touch too much fight shown by right-back Darnell Furlong - captain with Jed Wallace on the bench and with Kyle Bartley having retired - who was sent off for two yellow cards late on. Furlong's first caution was a daft pull back his second, on 90 minutes, was a bit harsh. He was a split-second late into a committed coming together.

Initially, though, Mason's Baggies showed enough encouragement in the final third to win the game by a bigger margin.

Attacking midfielder Isaac Price, from a technical perspective, looked the best player on the park - which is no great surprise given the impact he made after the £2.5million move from Standard Liege in January.

He has very quickly become a leading light at the club, a prized asset.

The Northern Ireland international wasted little time in making the mark at the beginning of his first full season at The Hawthorns.

It was a relatively simple yet composed swept finish into the bottom corner from 10 yards or so. Price might have scored more but was denied once by Balazs Toth's save and once by a fine last-ditch block.

There was nothing too technical or fancy about the make-up of the goal. Indeed it was somewhat agricultural and not from the modern day coach's handbook as Darnell Furlong's launched throw-in was eventually dispatched into the bottom corner.

But the neat part that will catch Mason's attention was the role played by a new recruit and one of two full debutants from Albion's three new signings - Aune Heggebo.

The striker, deployed to lead the line in advance of Price, bullishly held off markers in a crowded area and set the ball back for Price with the deftest of passes.

It was barely noticeable but a smart moment dug out in a split-second and created what proved to be his side's match-winner.

Price was influential until he began to tire into the second period. The same cannot be said for Heggebo, for whom the meaning behind his 'Hulk' nickname at former club Brann is becoming clearer by the week.

Heggebo is going to become popular at The Hawthorns pretty quickly. His tireless work rate and energy alone will do that. He has an insatiable willingness to fight off multiple defenders at one time.

Of course, fans will want to see goals go with that. He managed so in Norway and the hope is that will translate here. His left foot definitely offers a balance and something different.

One chance dropped his way on Saturday but Toth made the save. Hopefully, in time, more will come. And it will be important Josh Maja - who remained an unused substitute on his way back to fitness - can provide competition and cover as a foil. Likewise Daryl Dike further down the line.

But, on this occasion, Heggebo made a telling impact with the assist.

The other Baggie who deserves a mention is the other full debutant. Central defender Nat Phillips was immense and probably edges Price in the man of the match stakes.

Phillips was everything you want in a performance from a stopper. He won his headers, he won his challenges, he was cool in possession when he needed to be and he hoofed it clear when he needed to.

He made 10 headed clearances and a further 13 regular clearances in a colossal display.

That ties in with the theme Mason so enjoyed in his proper debut in the Albion dugout.

The manner of the match - Ismael's side grew some hope late on that they could fight back from a one-goal deficit - meant it needed some professionalism to see over the line.

And Albion's unit, from the defenders to further forward and including subs Jed Wallace, Ousmane Diakite and George Campbell, ensured Josh Griffiths was seldom troubled in goal.

Numerous dead balls, including a long throw of Blackburn's own, were repelled with ease. Each time the Baggies shut the door the home faithful grew more raucous.

Mason will have loved that. It shows him there is a foundation of work ethic and desire to build from.

The need to improve the squad in certain areas is clear. There is likely to be a notable exit if Torbjorn Heggem - who played again and had one or two slight wobbles - indeed departs. But Albion can and will then continue to rebuild.

Blackburn were decent, but much tougher tests will come. This, though, was a very useful base for the Ryan Mason era to begin.