Albion Women were beaten 3-1 on the road by Rugby Borough in the FA WNL Northern Premier division on Wednesday evening.
The Baggies were left three goals down at half-time, but grabbed what would turn out to be nothing more than a consolation courtesy of Ellie May at the start of the second period.
Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still made 10 changes to the side that beat Solihull Moors in the opening round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, with captain Olivia Rabjohn the only player to keep her place in the XI.
It was the hosts who came closest to finding the opener as Malika Apindia hit the bar from range, before Zoe Creaney was called upon to clear Lily Greenslade’s effort off the line.
Rugby eventually made their early pressure count through Nicky Potts, who notched the first of the night with a set-piece header, a scenario that proved fruitful for the hosts through the night.
Eve Clarkson and Yasmin Mosby also hit the back of the net with headed efforts before the half-time whistle, ensuring they went in three goals to the good at the interval.
The Baggies came out rejuvenated, knowing they had a fight on their hands if they were to take anything back with them.
May ignited a possible comeback as she beat goalkeeper Poppy Soper to the ball and slid past her into the net, handing the visitors a lifeline in Warwickshire.
Hodgetts-Still then introduced Seren Watkins and Millie Pullen, the latter of whom sparked panic in the Borough penalty area with a couple of dangerous deliveries.
But despite a much-improved showing, Albion were limited to little more in the way of chances during in the closing stages - meaning they went home with nothing to show for their efforts.
Albion: Clarke, Reynolds, Creaney (Sharp 34’), George, Haughey; Rabjohn (Watkins 62’), Orthodoxou, Warner, Oakley; Robinson (Pullen 76’), May.
Substitutes: Johnson, Jhamat, Evans, Kehoe.
