Albion Women returned to winning ways as they triumphed over Derby County in their FA Women’s National League contest at the Valley Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Well-crafted goals from Niamh Deasy and Mariam Mahmood, either side of a Dolcie O’Connor strike for the Ewes secured all three points for the Baggies.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still made five changes from the side that last played before their two game-less weekends, opting for a change of goalkeeper as Anna Miller came in for Lucy Jones, whilst captain Hannah George was restored to the XI along with Jess Reavill, who replaced Lucy Newell.
Mahmood completed her return from injury, coming in for Simran Jhamat, and Olivia Rabjohn was replaced by Deasy, who made her second start for the club.
The Baggies began the game brightly as Mahmood picked off a loose pass from the Derby defence and drove at the Ewes’ defence, only to see her low shot saved by goalkeeper Anna Draper.
Delphi Cole followed up the bright start with a chance of her own soon after, striking a low goal-bound effort as she broke behind the backline, only to be beaten away by Draper.
The Baggies continued their pressure late into the half and it was Deasy who would prove the first-half hero for Albion, bagging her first goal for the club as she met Mahmood’s low cross with a smart finish at the near post.
Shortly after the start of the second half, Derby levelled the scores through debutant Dolcie O’Connor, who went on a skilful run through the penalty area before producing a smart finish past Miller.
Just 10 minutes later the Baggies restored their advantage. Jess Reavill ran through the thirds, evading several Derby challenges before feeding Phoebe Warner who coolly played in Mahmood, who struck a low shot past Draper to restore the lead.
Albion could’ve had a third after Jannelle Straker slalomed into the penalty area but dragged her powerful shot wide of the mark.
Some late pressure from the Ewes saw the resolute Baggies defence tested but they managed to remain strong to claim their third victory of the season over the East Midlanders.
Hodgetts-Still’s side are next in action against Halifax Town at the Claybourn Ground on Sunday.
Albion: Miller, Reynolds, Green, Reavill, George, Loydon, Orthodoxou (Crackle 90’), Cole (Jhamat 80’) , Warner (Evans 75’), Mahmood (Straker 65’), Deasy.
Subs not used: Jones.