Albion Women claimed three precious FAWNL Northern Premier Division points in style on Thursday night, cruising to a 4-0 triumph at home to Stourbridge.
Delphi Cole, Olivia Rabjohn, Fran Orthodoxou and Simran Jhamat were all on target for Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s side at Darlaston Town’s Paycare Ground.
The victory fires the Baggies up to seventh in the table, just three points off fourth-placed Stoke City.
The boss made a single change to the XI that drew 1-1 with Burnley at The Hawthorns on Sunday - Orthodoxou coming in for Kate Evans.
Albion put the visitors under pressure from the off. Jhamat found space just outside the area before letting fly with a dipping shot which needed tipping over by Stourbridge goalkeeper Jamie-Lee Bamford.
The blue-and-white dominance in the first period would eventually pay dividends. Rabjohn lofted a ball into the path of Cole who evaded the attention of the defenders, before slotting a finish to the goalkeeper’s right.
The Baggies almost added a second on the stroke of the half-time whistle, as Rabjohn once again caused issues for the visitors. This time, slaloming her way into the penalty area before unleashing an attempt which sailed just wide.
Despite the home side’s control, Stourbridge might’ve equalised had it not been for some stellar defending from Jess Reavill. Jess Lowe rounded Anna Miller and as she readied to tap home, Reavill appeared from nowhere to intercept the ball and clear her lines.
Albion had further gears to go through though and doubled their advantage minutes later. Jhamat created space for herself before drilling across goal to Rabjohn who tapped into an empty net.
With the visitors shaken, the Baggies continued in rampant fashion. Ashlee Brown caused confusion with a dangerous ball into the box, and midfielder Orthodoxou prodded in from yards out.
Jhamat soon turned from provider to scorer as Rabjohn returned the favour, sending the attacking midfielder racing through. She was soon greeted by the goalkeeper, but the forward remained calm, looping an effort over the onrushing Bamford.
That proved to be the perfect way to cap off a classy display in Darlaston. Albion are next in action on Sunday, March 17 against Halifax at the Valley Stadium (ko 3pm).
Albion Women: Miller, Brown (Crackle 87’), Reynolds, Reavill, George, Loydon (Evans 81’), Orthodoxou, Warner, Jhamat, Rabjohn (Straker 81’), Cole (Mahmood 65’).
Substitutes: Jones.
