Albion Women began the defence of their Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup title with a convincing 5-1 win over Boldmere St Michaels in Round One on Sunday.
The hosts fought through a testing first half where Hannah George initially put the hosts ahead, but were pegged back as former Baggie Janelle Straker struck just before half-time.
However, Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s team were unstoppable during the second half, when four goals from George - who secured her brace - Naomi Sharp, Simran Jhamat and Phoebe Warner ensured passage into the next round.
Manager Hodgetts-Still named a much-changed side compared to the one that beat Stoke City in the FAWNL Cup last weekend. Zoe Creaney and Mia Sorrentino were handed their first starts since their respective arrivals at the club.
The Baggies were embroiled in a physical battle throughout the early stages and were forced to sweep away a dangerous Boldmere set piece within the first 10 minutes, yet would soon find a set piece groove of their own. George rose highest in the penalty area to glance a cross into the top corner – giving the hosts a vital advantage.
The visitors equalised just before half-time, Straker capitalising on a mix-up outside penalty area, and bringing the Mikes back into the tie.
An audacious curling strike from debutant Sorrentino almost ensured Albion regained their lead, but as it whistled just past the post, Hodgetts-Still’s side were left level at the break.
After the two sides emerged for the second period, the hosts kicked into gear and took control of the tie. Full-back Sharp, starting just her second match of the season, tried her luck from range, the effort slipping through the arms of goalkeeper Daisy Jenkins – nestling in for her first Albion goal.
In the ascendancy and on the hunt for further goals, Hodgetts-Still introduced attacking pair Marli Rhodes and Jhamat to the fray – a combination that would pay dividends just moments later. They played a one-two before Rhodes’ strike was saved by Jenkins, and the rebound fell to Jhamat, who gladly tapped home for the Baggies' third of the afternoon.
It took only two minutes for Albion to score again, and it was George on the scoresheet for the second time. The defender hooked a set-piece over the backpedalling Jenkins to add further shine to a glistening performance from the home side.
And they weren’t done yet, with the in-form Warner keen to continue her scoring streak. The creative midfielder set herself before unleashing a beautiful curling effort into the top left corner, Warner’s fifth in as many matches.
The Baggies are next in action this Wednesday, October 22 (7:45pm) when they take on Burnley at the Alexander Stadium.
Albion: Howard, Sharp, Creaney, George (Reynolds 74’), Haughey (Warner 74’), Watkins, Rabjohn, Kehoe, Hammond-McLean (Rhodes 63’), Pullen, Sorrentino (Jhamat 63’).
Substitutes: Johnson, Green, Robinson.
