Albion Women were narrowly beaten by a late winner from league leaders Newcastle United in their FA Women’s National League North clash on Sunday.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still made three changes to the side that defeated Needham Market in the FA Cup the week before.
There were two alterations in defence as Hayley Crackle dropped to the bench to make room for Ash Brown, Lucy Newell was missing from the squad due to her England under-19’s duties with Beth McGowan coming in and Mariam Mahmood was rewarded with a start after her excellent showing last time out.
Newcastle looked to create opportunities from the off and did so after 10 minutes as Tyler Dodds found herself with space at the back post, but her low driven strike just missed the target.
The hosts continued their early pressure as Georgia Gibson stuttered inside the penalty area to evade the Baggies defenders before unleashing a shot that was well-saved by Albion shot-stopper Anna Miller.
However, the Baggies were to have their positive spells in this one and had a couple of chances before the halfway mark.
Skipper Hannah George swung a dangerous corner towards midfielder Fran Orthodoxou who couldn’t keep her headed effort down as the ball reached her at the back post.
Albion would then fashion a chance from open play, this time a quick break saw Phoebe Warner set Beth McGowan up with an opportunity to shoot, but her shot went over the bar.
The second half came as Newcastle looked to regain control and almost found a breakthrough thanks to striker Bridget Galloway, but Isabel Green was on hand to block inside the goalmouth before hooking the ball away to safety.
Albion almost created another opportunity from a set piece as Olivia Rabjohn’s free-kick evaded everyone in the penalty area and cracked against the upright.
Despite Albion’s valiant efforts, Newcastle scored a winner just four minutes from time as Becky Ferguson came off the bench to deny Hodgetts-Still’s side a valuable point away from home.
Albion: Miller, Brown, Green, George, Rabjohn (Crackle 90’), Loydon, Orthodoxou (Weston 90’), Warner, McGowan (Evans 82’), Jhamat, Mahmood.
Substitutes: Jones.