Albion Women head coach Siobhan Hodgetts-Still believes Sunday’s 7-1 win over Knowle Ladies in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup was a “convincing” one.
A much-changed Baggies side scored five first-half goals to blow their first-round opponents away, before adding a further two to their total in the second period to comfortably progress.
Hodgetts-Still was delighted to see plenty of players take their opportunity and repay the faith shown in them to start.
“I thought it was a convincing win and we dominated the game throughout,” Hodgetts-Still said. “We created some great chances and scored some very good goals.
“Credit to the team and we go into the next round of the FA Cup. It’s all about allowing players to get some minutes and start, and then to take that opportunity.
“It was a good opportunity for lots of them and I thought those players did very well. Rubie Harris did very well in midfield and added lots on the ball.
“Maz Mahmood and Rhianne Oakley both got their start and got two goals each. It’s all about the confidence that we can take into next week.
“We created some really good moments. If I’m to be critical I think we could’ve scored a few more and easily could’ve been double figures.
“Credit the opposition who battled right until the end, and their goalkeeper pulled off some great saves. We have to take the positives from getting into those areas and positions.”
Baggies striker Rhianne Oakley scored her first and second goals in blue and white after signing from Cardiff City in the summer, and thoroughly enjoyed her maiden taste of goalscoring action.
“It’s amazing personally for me to get off the mark,” Oakley admitted. “Also for the team, we’ve had a disappointing couple of results over the last few weeks and we’ve got a big game next week.
“This was the perfect game to build our confidence up ahead of next week. I think it was a good performance from myself and the team as a whole.
“We knew what we needed to do as a team. We’ve managed to put it all out on the pitch today and get that win.
“I’ve settled in well, it was a big move for me coming from Cardiff but the girls and the staff have all been welcoming. I feel like I’m at home now.”
Midfielder Rubie Harris made just her second Albion start since joining from Brighton, and her first since September, something the 18-year-old enjoyed immensely.
She said: “I think with it being my first 90 minutes at the club for me, adjusting to it, and getting match fitness up today – I enjoyed it. I loved it out there and had some nice moments in the game.
“It’s been nice being here, all of the girls and everyone at the club have been lovely. They’ve helped me settle in really well, moving away from home was a big thing so it’s always nice to have everyone around me.
“I’d love to get that regular spot in the team. I want to put my name out there and would love to get into the XI on a regular basis.”
The Baggies will return to FAWNL Northern Premier Division action next Sunday when they take on Nottingham Forest at the Valley Stadium (3pm).
