Newcastle Women 0 Albion Women 5

LEIGH Dugmore struck a brace as Albion ended 2016 in fine style with a 5-0 victory at Newcastle.

 

The Baggies went in at the break with a two-goal lead thanks to Trina Greaves and an own goal.

 

A second-half double from Dugmore (pictured) took her tally for the season to eight, before a Cottam strike secured all three points for Albion. 

 

The game started slowly with both teams struggling to create any chances.

 

In the 29th minute Albion went ahead when a right-wing corner from Holmes was flapped at by Newcastle goalkeeper Harkness before the ball rebounded off Greaves and rolled over the line.

 

And the Baggies were gifted a second just five minutes before the break when a misjudged looping header from a Cottam cross sailed over keeper Harkness and into the net for an own goal.

 

Dugmore then notched twice in a minute as Albion started the Second half like a bull with horns.

 

The winger outpaced the Newcastle defence before rounding goalkeeper Harkness and tapping into an empty net before letting fly with a 30-yard blockbuster into the top right-hand corner.

 

Cottam completed the goal fest after cutting inside and curling a beautiful shot past the helpless keeper Harkness to give Albion their biggest league win of the season so far.

 

Head coach Craig Nicholls praised his players after the win.

 

"I'm really pleased with the result, although First Half I didn't think we turned up today despite being 2-0 ahead," said Nicholls.

 

"It does show the quality we have that we can score goals even when we are not at our best.

 

"Second half we stepped it up and our performance was excellent."

 

Albion Ladies host Radcliffe Olympic FC in the SSE FA Women's Cup Second Round on Sunday 8th January 2017 (ko 1pm).

 

For more information on West Bromwich Albion FC Women you can follow them on Twitter @WBAWomen or like them on Facebook www.Facebook.com/AlbionLadies.