Albion Women secured their passage into the Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup semi-finals on penalties with an enthralling Black Country Derby win over Wolves.
Phoebe Warner’s sumptuous second-half effort gave the Baggies the advantage, though Wolves equalised shortly after to take the tie to penalties.
And Albion triumphed in the shootout, as they netted all their spot-kicks and Anna Miller produced two excellent saves to send Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s side through - ending the calendar year with a victory.
The head coach made two alterations to the side that ran out victors in their last game against Cheadle Town Stingers - Izzy Green and Miller coming into the starting XI.
An end-to-end first half would greet supporters at the Valley Stadium. Ali Miller raced through on goal after being played in by Warner, only to see her touch smothered by goalkeeper Charlotte Clarke.
Moments later, captain Hannah George rescued a Jade Cross effort from the goalmouth when it looked set to trickle over the line.
Just prior to the half-time whistle, Ash Brown whipped one across the box, agonisingly evading three stretching Albion players.
The Baggies took the lead midway through the second period thanks to Warner’s strike. The creative midfielder swivelled on the edge of the box before impressively finding the top corner.
But Wolves replied quickly, Charlotte Greengrass converting a low shot, sending the tie to penalties.
Thankfully, Albion ran out victors - Miller’s heroics and a 100 per cent conversion rate ensuring they grabbed the derby day bragging rights.
Albion Women: Miller; Brown, Reynolds, Green, George; Orthodoxou, Watkins; Warner, May, Miller (Rhodes 82’); Oakley (Jhamat 90’).
Substitutes: Rabjohn, Oliver, Haughey.
Albion shootout order: Jhamat – scored. George – scored. May – scored. Rhodes – scored.
