Ladies bow out of League Cup after derby defeat
SPORTING Club Albion Ladies were defeated 1-0 by Aston Villa in the The FA Premier League Cup on Sunday.
Emma Follis’ 27th-minute strike was enough to claim a Group Three victory for the hosts as the Baggies now prepare for their County Cup fourth-round clash with Solihull Borough at The Grove, Halesowen, on Sunday.
And Albion gaffer Dave Lawrence believes three-successive postponements may have contributed to his side’s slow start to the game.
“I was pleased with our work rate against a young and talented Villa team - especially as we haven’t played for 3 weeks,” said Lawrence.
“There was a slow start to the game and it was obvious that we hadn’t played at this level for a few weeks.
“We lacked sharpness and the ability to get around the pitch when in possession.
“In the first half we deserved to be 1-0 down and we knew that we needed to improve in the second half.
“We always seem to raise our game against better opposition and sometimes drop our standards against weaker opposition.
“We are now preparing for our important game with Solihull Borough in the County Cup and we must make sure we play to the level we have come to expect.”
Admission for Sunday’s cup tie is priced at £3 adults and £1 children.
ALBION: Thomas, Darby (Macquilkin, 60) Rippington, Broadbent, Nymeon, Key, Hodgetts (Fowler, 75) Fellows, James, Neville, Scott (Baptiste, 45).