Albion will play Barclays Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Liverpool Feds 2-3 on Sunday.
Mariam Mahmood scored a double either side of the break to help her side become the first Albion team to make the fourth round in back-to-back seasons.
Jenny Sugarman made four changes to the XI that played in their last fixture of 2022 against Leeds United; Shannon Stamps, Mariam Mahmood and Maria Timms all returned to the starting line up while Lizzie Bennett-Steele came in for her first start.
Albion started on the front foot and, after ten minutes, took an early lead. Bennett-Steele played the ball down the channel, finding Mahmood to chip the oncoming keeper – netting for the sixth consecutive game in a Baggies shirt.
With their tails up, the Baggies kept up the pressure on the Feds goal and came close to a second. First Mahmood fired wide from a tight angle before captain Hannah George located Stamps in the box with a long-range pass, but the winger was unable to keep her effort on target.
The home side began to feel their way back into the tie and on the half hour mark, they grabbed an equaliser through Ellie Stewart via a corner.
Just minutes ahead of the break, Charlotte Clarke denied the hosts from taking a half time lead as she reacted to a quickly taken free-kick directed goal-wards by Beth Donoghue.
In the second period Albion re-established their advantage on the hour mark. Ash Brown whipped one into the box, leaving an unfortunate Feds player to head the ball in their own net.
Soon after, Mahmood found herself through on goal but was brought down by Stewart - who saw red for her attempted challenge.
And the Baggies quickly capitalised on having the extra player, winning possession high up the pitch and seeing Mahmood send a composed home, giving them a two-goal lead.
These girls make history, yet again!
— West Bromwich Albion Women (@WBAWomen) January 8, 2023
The first Albion side to reach two, back-to-back @VitalityWFACup fourth round’s, setting up a tie against @BarclaysWSL opposition in the process. 🤩#WBA pic.twitter.com/Tx2dn6EUYV
With 15 minutes remaining, Albion were pegged back again as they conceded the second own goal of the game - Paige Cole’s driven cross hitting Brown and deflecting in.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, and James and Amy Seagraves both went close, but neither were able to find the leveller.
Albion will host top-tier Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, January 29 in the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Albion: Clarke, Brown, George (C), Loydon (Tudor), Embley, Bennett-Steele (Straker), Stamps, Timms, Warner, Mahmood (Green), Newell.
Subs: Locke, Walklett, Davies, Stubb.