Albion Women came from a goal down to beat Rugby Borough at the Alexander Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Baggies were a goal down at half-time, and were yet to produce a shot on target, but second half heroics from Zoe Creaney and debutant Riya Mannu saw the hosts collect all three FAWNL Northern Premier points.
Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still opted for two changes to the side that were beaten by AFC Bournemouth almost a fortnight ago. Captain Liv Rabjohn returned from injury, while Mannu was handed a debut in navy-blue-and-white.
It was the visitors who quickly took the upper hand in the midweek fixture. Malika Apindia’s lofted corner evaded everyone in the box to give Rugby an early lead.
Goalkeeper Charlotte Clarke was called into action just before half-time to prevent Ebony Wiseman’s curling strike, as the Baggies’ shot-stopper leapt to tip the effort around the post.
The hosts made a rampant start to the second half and duly got their equaliser. Defender Creaney prodded Rabjohn’s dangerous corner over the line to notch the leveller in Perry Barr.
It took just another two minutes to turn the game in Albion’s favour. Creative midfielder Monique Robinson danced through the Rugby defence before slipping debutant Mannu through to produce a neat finish and put the home side ahead.
Hodgetts-Still’s side showed off their resolute defending, while remaining a threat on the attack themselves to see out a well-earned victory at the Alexander Stadium.
Albion: Clarke; Green, Creaney, George; Reynolds (May 90’), Rabjohn, Watkins, Haughey; Mannu (Warner 66’), Robinson, Oakley (Rhodes 88’).
Substitutes: Johnson, Jhamat, Sharp, Day.
