ALBION continued their sparking start to 2019 by booking a place in the Birmingham FA County Cup Semi-Final following a 5-1 victory away to Sandwell Ladies.
But the hosts sitting two leagues below put in a sterling effort and could have found themselves ahead in the opening stages after twice going close via the woodwork and squandering a one on one opportunity.
The Baggies also hit the woodwork before Gabbie Reid put Albion ahead in the 28th minute poking home from close-range after Harriet James’ driven shot had been parried into the winger’s path.
After the break Louis Sowe’s side continued to press for a second goal, but found themselves pegged back ten minutes into the Second half after a terrific 30-yard strike from Hayley Joynson levelled proceedings.
Yet Albion kept up the pressure and were finally rewarded when James prodded home at the second attempt after seeing her initial effort strike the post.
Hannah Baines then struck twice in quick succession - first a close-range finish from a Hannah George corner before producing a powerful header into the top left-hand corner.
Gabbie Reid then put the icing on the cake in the final minute with a 25-yard rocket to collect her brace and Albion’s fifth of the afternoon.
Next up for Albion is a Black Country derby at home to Wolves Women in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands on Sunday, 27th January. (ko 2.30pm).
ALBION: Tolmie, Jewitt, Gompertz, Bevan, Sinclair, Baines (c), Reid, Pagan, James, Henry, Howard.
Rolling Substitutes: George, Orthodoxou, Harris.