Albion Women secured their passage into the Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a comfortable victory over Sutton Coldfield Town on Wednesday night - their eighth consecutive win in all competitions.
Clinical first-half finishes from Rhianne Oakley and Jess Collyer had the Baggies in a commanding position at the break at the Alexander Stadium, with little in the way of visiting opportunities.
And the second period ensured Charlie Fripp’s side could add additional shine to the scoreline, with Monique Robinson continuing her form in front of goal to put them three goals to the good.
Now into the last eight of the BCFA Challenge and having recorded their eighth win in-a-row, they return to league action on Sunday, October 11 (ko 2pm), when they welcome Loughborough Lightning to Perry Barr.
Albion set their stall out early doors when Zoe Creaney and Collyer put efforts wide of the mark within the first 12 minutes, and they wouldn’t have to wait long for the opener, either.
Midfielder Naomi Powell, who started her first match for almost a month, swung a sumptuous cross onto the head of Oakley, who darted away from the searching Sutton defence to glance a header home from close range.
The forward went from goalscorer to provider for the hosts’ second. Oakley drilled a low ball across the face of goal, where Collyer was waiting to turn home her fourth in as many matches and continue her impressive scoring streak.
The second half began largely as the first had started; this time Collyer rounded the onrushing Izzy Clarke and Powell, who made a similar run, took the reins, sidefooting inches wide.
Robinson hit the post and substitute Izzy Lane went one-on-one with Clarke, only to see her effort well-saved before Albion notched a third through the former.
Oakley again the architect; she sped past a visiting defender before lashing a ball across the box, leaving midfielder Robinson to bundle over the line from inside the goalmouth, sealing another stellar home triumph.
Albion: Grimshaw; Sharp, Green, Creaney (Mannu 68’), Haughey (Reynolds 52’ (D.Jones 87’)); Powell, Rabjohn, Jones; Oakley, Collyer (Lane 52’), Robinson.
Substitutes: Clarke, Downie.
