Albion Ladies 2 Leicester Ladies 4

SPORTING Club Albion Ladies conceded two goals either side of half-time in their 4-2 defeat to Leicester City in the FA Women’s Premier League (northern division) at The Grove on Sunday. 

Robyn James fired a brace for the Baggies as they attempted to build on a 6-0 home victory over Newcastle three weeks earlier.  

But goals for Natalie Reay, Roschelle Shakes and an Isobella Hayes double sealed the Foxes’ first three points of the season – while Albion remain fifth after four league games. 

And Albion boss Dave Lawrence insists his side will need to improve their defensive performances if they are to achieve their target of finishing in the top three.  

“It was another disappointing defensive performance and individual errors are playing a massive part in our game at the moment,” said Lawrence. 

“I don’t mind people making mistakes, but the key to making them is to learn from them and improve so they don’t happen again.  

“We seem to be making the same basic errors on a regular basis, and therefore losing games we should be winning.  

“We have now conceded 18 goals in our opening six fixtures and we only conceded 18 during the first three months of last season.  

“If we are to finish in the top three this year, people need to take responsibility for their actions on the pitch, and apply better concentration and application in training.

“On the plus side, our attacking play always carries a threat.  

“I am particularly pleased with Robyn James, who has now scored six goals this season. 

“Last season she worked hard and grafted for us to win the ball back, with little reward in terms of chances created for her.  

“Our change of formation and her individual improvement means she is now playing with confidence and is our best attacking threat.

The Baggies are now preparing for this Sunday’s Black Country derby with Wolves at Castlecroft Stadium, Wolverhampton (ko 2pm).