Two late goals helped Albion Women claim all three points against FAWNL Northern Premier rivals Derby County on Sunday afternoon.
Strikes from Ali Miller and Rhianne Oakley within the last 15 minutes of the clash were enough to see the home side secure an important victory at the Valley Stadium in Redditch.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still made three changes to last week’s starting XI, with Phoebe Warner and Marli Rhodes restored, while Lavarna Johnson came in for her debut between the sticks.
The Baggies looked to turn the screw in the early stages. Rhodes, up against her former club, struck just over from a tight angle before rolling a low effort into the arms of goalkeeper Lucy Jones.
Derby came back into the game shortly after as Daisy Burt carved her path through on the left of the field before looking to find Camille Jenkins at the back post. Debutant Johnson flew out to claim the cross, denying the winger a shooting opportunity.
Visiting forward Kate Oakley had the chance to score after finding a pocket of space within the Albion half, but couldn't keep her attempt down.
Substitute Miller was introduced on the hour mark and had a telling touch just 17 minutes later - drilling the ball low and hard into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
There were one or two late scares just minutes after the opener. Defender Ella Haughey cleared an attempt off the line and Paris Dalton struck the woodwork.
With Derby determined to find an equaliser, the Baggies capitalised on gaps at the other end of the pitch. Hodgetts-Still's side broke forward with Phoebe Warner carrying the ball into the penalty area, where she was unfairly brought down. Oakley stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, handing the Albion a welcome win.
The Baggies are next in action on Sunday, April 13, when they host Stoke City in their final home game of the campaign.
ALBION WOMEN: Johnson; Reynolds, Green, Oliver, Haughey; Rabjohn, Orthodoxou (Evans 46’); Warner, Jhamat (George 61’), Oakley; Rhodes (Miller 61’).
Subs: Sharp, Janny.
