Women's Team

WBA Women triumph over Huddersfield

Baggies beat Terriers 3-1

TRINA Greaves became the third Albion player this season to reach double figures after helping Craig Nicholls' side to a 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town Ladies.
 
It was the perfect tonic for Skipper Kelly Darby who celebrated her 150th competitive appearance in Albion colours.
 
Abi Cottam opened the scoring for Albion before Emily Heckler levelled for the visitors. Ellie Sargent restored the Baggies lead before Trina Greaves made the game safe midway through the Second half.
 
Albion started the game full of confidence and deservedly took the lead in the 9th minute when Cottam picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box to fire a stunning strike over Huddersfield keeper Kenyon into the roof of the net.
 
And the Baggies came close again just moments later when Dugmore found space 18-yards out to cut inside and curl a shot, but it was comfortably saved by Terriers stopper Kenyon.
 
Despite Albion's pressure, it was the Terriers that drew level when Heckler pounced on a loose ball to thunder a shot past Thomas into the far corner.
 
But five minutes later the Baggies restored their lead thanks to Ellie Sargent who took full advantage of a mistake from Huddersfield goalkeeper Kenyon to control and knock the ball into an empty net for her second goal since joining the club.
 
Just before the interval, Albion keeper Thomas was forced to pull off a fine save with her legs denying Mallin in a one on one opportunity, while at the other end Dugmore's half-volley was comfortably dealt with by Huddersfield keeper Kenyon.
 
In the 61st minute Thomas was again on hand to save from Mallin as Huddersfield continued to press for an equaliser.
 
Yet it was Albion who struck the decisive blow when Greaves who had little room to manouvre outside the penalty area executed a perfect chip over the visitors goalkeeper Kenyon.
 
And Greaves could have added to her tally, but both efforts were denied by Town keeper Kenyon while Huddersfield almost pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but Heckler's 25-yard lob sailed inches over Thomas' crossbar.
 
It was to be Albion's day though as they saw out the final stages to clinch all three points and end their run of two straight league defeats.
 
Head coach Craig Nicholls gave his view on the victory:
 
"It was a great performance today, in fact I think that's the best first half performance of the season.
 
"I'm really proud of our players because I thought we bossed the game from start to finish.
 
"It's three valuable points and hopefully we can keep this going from now until the end of the season."
 
Albion Ladies travel to Bradford City Women in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division next Sunday 9th April 2017 (ko 2pm).
 
WBA FC Women: Thomas, Highman, Wright, Stewart, Darby (c), Hull, Sargent, Greaves, Mitcham (Walker 66), Cottam (Warner 81), Dugmore (Stamps 55)
 
Unused Subs: Burton, Moore.
 
Huddersfield Town Ladies: Kenyon, Turner, Baxby, Mallin (c), Abbott, Spreckley, Hewitt (Harris 60), Dobby, Battel (Biglin 70), Heckler, White (Nutter 53).
 
Unused Subs: Evans, Carter.