Albion Women returned to winning ways with a dominant win over Stourbridge in the FA WNL Northern Premier on Wednesday evening.
The Baggies responded to an early Stourbridge goal well at the War Memorial Ground, as Ali Miller, Ellie May and Simran Jhamat helped the visitors secure all three points.
Albion are next in action on Sunday, February 16, where they take on Aston Villa in the Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup semi-final at the Valley Stadium (3pm).
Head coach Siobhan Hodgetts-Still made three changes to the side that faced Sporting Khalsa last time out. Maddie Oliver, Kate Evans and Marli Rhodes were all restored to the XI.
The hosts took an early lead, owing to a speculative effort from the left boot of midfielder Daisy Clements, which landed in the top corner.
Albion sought a foothold in the game almost immediately after and soon got one through Miller. Evans’ deflected effort bounced into her path before looping a half-volley past goalkeeper Pharyn Ashton.
The Baggies were in the ascendancy from that point, as May broke into a dangerous position, only to be brought down by a Stourbridge defender. The forward stepped up for the resulting penalty to cooly stroke Albion into the lead.
Further opportunities came in the second period, substitute Jhamat’s header was palmed away by Ashton, before Izzy Green looked to capitalise on a free header from a corner – just failing to get a steady connection on the cross.
Albion did extend their advantage with just minutes left to play, Phoebe Warner’s cross was parried into the path of Jhamat, who made no mistake tapping home the visitors’ third.
Defender Taylor Reynolds had an opportunity to make it four just before the final whistle, but nodded her header over the crossbar – leaving the Baggies to happily settle for three goals, and three points.
Albion: Miller; Reynolds, Green, Oliver, George (Haughey 90’); Evans (Orthodoxou 90’), Rabjohn (Watkins 83’); Warner, May (Jhamat 52’), Rhodes (Mahmood 83’); Miller.
Substitutes: Johnson.