Albion Women can secure their ninth victory on the trot with the visit of Loughborough Lightning in the FAWNL Northern Premier on Sunday afternoon (ko 2pm).
Charlie Fripp’s outfit are in a rampant run of form, and come into Sunday’s clash at the Alexander Stadium with plenty of fresh optimism after claiming a midweek win over Sutton Coldfield Town in the Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup.
And they’ll have aims of breaking into the league’s top two places, with Huddersfield Town just two points and a position away from them in the division.
Last time out
Away from home at the Vibrant Doors Arena, the Baggies arguably produced one of their better showings of the campaign as they dispatched Derby County last weekend.
Jess Collyer continued her clinical scoring streak, while Monique Robinson also notched a brace in their 3-0 win in Derbyshire.
The opposition
Though they suffered defeat to Norwich City in their most recent league match, Loughborough Lightning have made a largely positive start to their second consecutive term back in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division.
Charles Baxter’s side survived relegation from the third tier last term, and will be looking to push further up the table in 2026/27.
They’ve managed to do that on early viewing, collecting seven points from their first six matches - picking up impressive victories against Peterborough United and Stoke City, along with a point at Boldmere St Michaels.
Lightning have scored plenty along the way too (10 in the league), sharing the goals around their front line with Ella Jarowicki, Lucy Chads and Olivia Mitchell-Ramon each notching three across all competitions so far.
Their trip to the Alexander Stadium will prove a tough test for them, but there’s evidence so far they can claim plenty of scalps in this league.
Previous meetings
Albion Women 0-0 Loughborough Lightning - December 2025
It was a drab affair at the Alexander Stadium when the two sides last met. The hosts were forced to settle for a point in December.
Loughborough Lightning 1-1 Albion Women - August 2025
Fran Orthodoxou’s early strike saw the visitors pegged back by Ella-Mai Coutts’ effort at Loughborough University Stadium on the opening day of the 2025/26 season.
Loughborough Lightning 1-2 Albion Women - April 2023
The Baggies scored twice through an own goal and Phoebe’s Warner’s long-range wonder strike, either side of Georgia Stevens’ header in the East Midlands.
Pre-match thoughts
Latest Albion addition Izzy Lane knows she can go a long way to settling into the team by assisting her new team-mates.
The winger did so in the Baggies’ last league match against Derby County, when she squared the ball unselfishly while through on goal for Monique Robinson, who tapped home with no complaints.
It’s those type of moments are the ones which are helping Lane endear herself to her colleagues, and as she continues to build up match minutes in hopes of starting - there'll be further chances on the pitch to notch further goal contributions.
And with Loughborough Lightning the next opponents at the Alex, the 22-year-old is aiming to play a big part in what would be a ninth victory on the bounce for Fripp’s side.
She said: “It was great to win in midweek and make it eight wins in-a-row. It was good to get minutes again and keep building.
“It’s hard sometimes to play against a low block, but we managed it and scored three goals. We feel we’re grinding out the results now.
“It was good, obviously, the team fights until the end, so to come on and help them was great. I’m building up more minutes and I want to help the team get that ninth win on the bounce now.
“I’m scoring a few goals in each game now, and it’s not just single-goal wins. We’re scoring plenty in each match. It’s helping the confidence of the team a lot, and we’re proud of our efforts so far.
“It’s been easy to get settled in here, everyone’s so positive. Even when things aren’t going well, we’re still fighting, and there’s a constant drive to keep working together.
“Even coming off the bench, it’s a very competitive environment; everyone wants to start, and nobody takes their spot for granted. We’re all working hard to win as many games as possible.
“The Derby County match was a great one to come into. The way we kept pushing for goals is a testament to the team we are, and we adapted to the state of the game.
“When I’m on the pitch, I want the team to score, and if I can provide the assist, then I want to do that. Building relationships with everyone will be helped that way and I’m getting used to crossing the ball into them, which I’m enjoying.
“We’ve got another one on Sunday and it’ll be a tough challenge, but we want to keep this winning run going. We want to get promoted and we definitely know it’s within our capabilities.”
For the fans
The Alexander Stadium (What3Words: spent.backs.shades) is an inclusive venue which is easy to get to from around the West Midlands. For directions to the Alexander Stadium, visit this link, or you can find the stadium's accessibility information here. On-site parking is available in the South Car Park, and entry for the game is through the middle entrance in the West Stand to the left of reception.
Junior supporters can enjoy an inflatable activity on the concourse throughout the afternoon, while Baggie Bird will be out and about around the stadium. Be sure to keep an eye out, say hello and grab a photo. Two Albion Women stars will also be on hand for signing and photos from 1.15pm-2pm ahead of the match in the concourse.
Once inside the ground, refreshments will be served from the middle kiosk, including pies, chips and hot drinks, alongside a selection of crisps, chocolate and sweets. The latest edition of ‘Albion News’, the club’s official matchday programme, containing a featured interview with full-back Taylor Reynolds - will be on sale around the ground. Presenter Paige Eagle will also keep supporters up-to-date over the PA system throughout the match.
How to follow
Tickets are on sale for £6 Adults, £5 Seniors (65+), £5 20-25s, £4 17-19s, £3 Under-17s and £2 Under-14s. Disabled tickets are priced at £5.
They can be purchased online now or on the gate at the Alexander Stadium on the day of the game.
For those unable to attend, coverage will be provided across Albion Women’s social media channels, as always.
The match report, reaction and match highlights will be available on the club website in the coming days.
