Baggies reach County Cup Semi Final

ALBION booked their place into the Semi-Final of the Birmingham FA County Cup in fine style after clinching a fantastic 10-0 victory away to Rugby Town Ladies.

Abi Cottam struck five while Olivia Mitcham grabbed a hat-trick along with further goals from Greaves and Parnell which helped Albion to a fifth win from their last six games.

It could have all been so different though as with just seconds on the clock Albion's keeper Bec Thomas had to pull off a fine save to deny the hosts from taking the lead via the penalty spot.

But the Baggies produced an immediate response to take the lead in just the 2nd minute when Cottam found space to fire home from just inside the six-yard box.

And the former Villa Ladies striker was at it again hitting a quick fire double to send Albion coasting into a three-goal lead with the game having just reached the quarter of an hour mark.

Midfielder Trina Greaves finished off a fine move to make it four before Mitcham headed home a Highman right-wing cross.

Albion were then awarded a penalty which gave Mitcham the opportunity to step up and convert putting Craig Nicholls' side into a comfortable 6-0 lead at the break.

And Mitcham became the second player of the game to notch a hat-trick just two minutes after the restart before Cottam increased her goal tally with her fourth and fifth goals respectively.

There was even still time for Hazanna Parnell to get on the scoresheet putting Albion's final result into double figures and setting up a Semi-Final tie at home to Gornal Ladies FC.

Head coach Craig Nicholls gave his view on today's victory: "It's a very good result after last weekend's defeat.

"I was pleased for everyone especially the young players who I thought were excellent and it's a great way of giving them experience.

"I'm happy with the clean-sheet, but even more delighted to be in the Semi-Final."

Albion Ladies host Leicester City Ladies in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division next Sunday 12th March 2017 (ko 2pm).