Albion Women exited the Adobe Women’s FA Cup despite a battling showing against holders Manchester United on Saturday evening.
The Baggies, who compete two divisions below one of the giants of the Women's game, fought hard and kept the contest tight until the latter stages, but were ultimately undone by the much stronger outfit at Leigh Sports Village.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still made one change to the side that featured in the Black Country derby win prior to Christmas, with Liv Rabjohn coming in for Rhianne Oakley.
It was the WSL hosts who started the brightest and Melvine Malard made first contact with a Dominique Riviere cross to put United into the lead midway through the opening period.
After going behind, the Baggies looked to grab a foothold in the game. Ellie May picked off a loose pass before drilling an effort from range just wide.
The Reds looked to add to their advantage moments before the break but were denied by Anna Miller, who came storming out of her goal to meet Hinata Miyazawa with a firm block.
Albion had to dig deep and produced some resolute defending to prevent their experienced opponents from adding any further strikes until 13 minutes from the end of the tie.
Manchester United, who fielded several international stars, scored six times in the closing stages as the Baggies, tenacious and determined in their endeavours, ran out of steam.
Rachael Williams hit a treble, while Ella Toone and Celin Bizet both bagged braces as the home side secured safe passage to round five.
Albion are back in action on Sunday, January 19 with a trip to Halifax in the FA Women's National League North.
Albion Women: Miller, Brown, Reynolds, Green, George; Watkins, Orthodoxou; Warner (Oakley 66’), Rabjohn (Rhodes 87’), Miller (Jhamat 80’); May (Mahmood 80’).
Substitutes: Harris, Haughey, Evans, Whittick.
