Albion started the 2026/27 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a pulsating 2-1 win against Norwich City.
Following a goalless first half, Aune Heggebø and JJ Morgan grabbed all three points for the Baggies, even if Mathias Kvistgaarden's consolation set up a frantic finale.
James Morrison’s men - backed by another superb sold-out away end - dug in during a testing first period. Max O’Leary made an excellent early stop to deny Canaries skipper Kenny McLean, before also saving Kellen Fisher’s low strike.
Heggebø dragged one wide during an Albion spell midway through the half, however it was some superb defending from his fellow Norwegian Felix Horn Myhre down the other end that ensured the game was level at the break.
The midfielder nodded over his own crossbar as Norwich looked destined to open the scoring through a back-post header, before Jose Cordoba guided another effort past the post moments later.
Hosts Norwich began the second 45 strongly but found a dogged Baggies defence in their way again. A sea of bodies diverted Anis Ben Slimane’s goal-bound half-volley away after the restart, and Nat Phillips also bravely blocked Andre Brookes’ close-range attempt.
While O’Leary had to make another great save to keep out Fisher’s header, the visitors did start causing City problems. Morgan saw an attempt deflected off-target and Nat Phillips headed just wide with Albion growing into it.
Albion then edged ahead on the 75-minute mark. A slick move ended when Heggebø met Morgan’s cross, celebrating his 50th appearance for the club by netting the first goal of the campaign.
Isaac Price struck the crossbar as Morrison’s team kept their foot on the gas.
And Morgan soon beat several Norwich defenders and converted a low finish to score the Baggies’ second three minutes from the end.
Norwich’s Kvistgaarden netted in stoppage time, making it a nervy final few seconds. Albion held on, though, to kick their campaign off in style at Carrow Road.
Albion: O’Leary, Galves (Mepham 90+4), Phillips, Campbell, Styles, Whitwell (Nzingoula 68), Horn Myhre (Molumby 68), Diakite (Bielik 90+4), Price, Morgan (Stewart 90+1), Heggebø.
Substitutes: Ingram, Williams, Townsend, Johnston.
