NATASHA Merritt’s debut goal fired WBA Women into the last eight of the Birmingham FA County Cup.
Merritt’s 18-yard strike seven minutes from time secured a 2-1 victory away at Solihull United Ladies.
The Baggies had fallen behind midway through the first half when Becky Wood found the top corner with a 30-yard drive, however, they drew level just moments later thanks to an own goal from the hosts.
Albion twice came close to taking the lead after the break but Sophie Hull and Nadia Bacciochi both had efforts cleared off the line.
Their pressure finally told inside the last ten minutes, though. Merritt’s deflected shot from the edge of the penalty area crept into the top corner to send the Baggies into the quarter final.
Albion: McElroy, Finn, Hull (c), Burton, H.Price, George, Merritt, Price, James, Edwards, Seivwright.
Rolling Subs: Bacciochi, Bevan, Kikomeko, Mitchell, Buckmire.