Albion Women welcome Derby County to The Hawthorns in a special FAWNL Northern Premier fixture on Sunday afternoon (ko 2pm).
The Baggies are high from recent victories, and come into the clash full of motivation to try and improve their league standing through their final two games.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s side are aiming to finish fourth, with Stoke City a place and a win above them, and a victory on Sunday, which would be the perfect way to mark the occasion, might just be the step that gets them there.
Tickets are completely FREE for supporters, and they can be booked here by selecting a seat.
Last time out
The Baggies secured a last-gasp win over Liverpool Feds in their final match at the Alexander Stadium for the season last weekend.
The hosts behind in the FAWNL Northern Premier encounter, but turned the scoreline around with efforts from Ella Haughey and Taylor Reynolds.
It didn’t look like it was going to be Albion’s day when the Feds equalised midway through the second half - but Marli Rhodes’ strike in added time sparked pandemonium at the Alex to secure a 3-2 victory.
The opposition
Visitors Derby County need just one final victory to effectively secure their safety in the FAWNL Northern Premier.
The Ewe Rams are currently 9th, and perched just three points above the drop zone with two games left in the season.
With all of the teams below them set to play each other before the campaign reaches its conclusion, Sam Griffiths’ side are on the hunt for three points at the earliest possible opportunity as they also welcome Liverpool Feds on the final day.
Derby have won just once in the league since mid-January, but three of their five triumphs have come away from home - a factor they’ll surely rely on when they visit the Shrine this weekend.
Previous meetings
Derby County 0-3 Albion Women - October 2025
A quickfire trio of strikes gave Albion Women all three points on their travels against Derby in their last meeting, which also secured their fifth win in a row.
The Baggies overcame a tight first half to score three goals in the final 15 minutes from Fran Orthodoxou, Ellie May and Phoebe Warner.
Albion Women 2-0 Derby County - March 2025
Late efforts from Ali Miller and Rhianne Oakley helped the hosts claim a well-earned victory at the Valley Stadium.
Derby County 2-1 Albion Women - September 2024
Hodgetts-Still’s side’s unbeaten start to the 2024/25 campaign came to an end at the hands of the Ewe Rams two years ago.
Liv Rabjohn scored after three minutes, before being pegged back by two second-half strikes, including one just seconds from the final whistle.
One for the history books
It’s been over four years since Albion Women marked their first-ever game at The Hawthorns with a win.
Just like the men’s team 125 years ago, their first opponents at the Shrine were also Derby County, with 1,871 supporters joining to support Jenny Sugarman’s side in B71, which remains a record for the club’s women’s team.
Leigh Dugmore wrote her name into Baggies folklore by becoming the first female player to score at The Hawthorns. The forward took advantage of an Ewe Rams’ mishap to side-foot home a neat finish.
And substitute Evie Gallop’s strike midway through the second-half ensured a valiant win to mark a special occasion - leaving fans jubilant.
Pre-match thoughts
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still couldn’t be prouder to have led her group of players to another season of progression.
The Baggies beat Liverpool Feds in dramatic fashion to ensure they won their game in hand on Stoke City, who remain a place and three points above them.
With two FAWNL Northern Premier matches left to play, and their fourth-place rivals set to play the top two, there’s every chance Hodgetts-Still’s side could leapfrog them and finish fourth themselves.
And it’s with that motivation Albion are heading into Sunday’s encounter with Derby County, as they look to match a “big occasion” at The Hawthorns with an equally big three points.
She said: “Sunday wasn’t pretty at times, but I think we’ve played some really good games this season where we haven’t come away with any points. The girls dug deep, we defended our box really well when I thought Feds could’ve pinched it and we went down the other end to get a goal.
“Marli (Rhodes) showed real poacher’s instinct to score, and there were amazing scenes at the end. We were really happy to take all three points from the game, and we hope to take them into this weekend.
“We want to keep getting supporters at our big matches at The Hawthorns. We’ve made all tickets free, so we’re hoping to see as many fans there, attract a new audience, and enjoy the occasion.
“We want to see some new fans and encourage them to come to our games next season too.
“We’re really excited for these final two games now. We set out after the Wolves game where we’d like to finish in the league this year.
“We know we’re not far off from our target, but we’re more than aware of the hard games that we have to come. Last weekend’s game was in hand, so it was important to win there.
“We’ve got two games that we need to win now. If we get those points, we’re on track to finish where we want to; it’ll be one of our highest finishes in this division.
“Again, it shows how far this group has come, but also how far the club has pushed us behind the scenes to move us forward and build something incredibly special throughout the coming months.”
Read a full featured interview with Siobhan in Sunday’s edition of Albion News, which will be sold around the ground.
How to follow
Baggies fans can grab a FREE ticket for Albion Women’s last home league match of the season - which will be played at The Hawthorns against Derby County.
Supporters are urged to get their free ticket in advance online here, by calling 0121 227 2227, or visiting the East Stand Ticket Office.
Alongside free tickets, there are a number of other plans to ensure it is a memorable day.
The players will wear shirts donning the 125 anniversary logo and the date of the game. They will also hand over a unique pennant to their opponents ahead of kick-off - after entering the pitch to ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’.
The matchday programme and stadium big screens will celebrate the occasion, while supporters can enjoy other entertainment - as well as food and drink - in the East Stand concourse before the game.
The club shop will be open with special offers from 9am, too, including:
- ALL women's and junior shirts (including baby & infant kits) for £25
- 25 per cent off all women’s and junior clothing
These offers are available in-store only on the day of the fixture.
Keep your eyes across Albion Women’s social media platforms for more details leading up to the game!
Tickets will be delivered via the app for this match.
Any fans who had already purchased a ticket should contact the Ticket Office to receive a full refund.
