Albion Women Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still believes Sunday’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup win over Leeds United was a “top team performance.”
The Baggies endured a frustrating first half at the Bannister Prentice Community Stadium, but soon came to life as second-half goals from Monique Robinson, Ellie May and Mia Sorrentino guaranteed a place in round four.
Hodgetts-Still opted for a change in formation to ensure her side didn’t have to endure the same penalty shootout fate in their last meeting with the Whites – and it was a gamble that paid off.
Hodgetts-Still said: “I’m delighted with the result today and that we’re through to the fourth round. Performance-wise, we were excellent today.
“In the first half we had a lot of the ball and we couldn’t quite put it in the back of the net. In the second half, they came at us a little bit more because there was more space, we used that well.
“We scored three very good goals and we had other changes as well. We knew we needed to dominate in wide areas and I thought we did that today.
“We used the ball well, and we knew we needed to try something different – we did that today. The formation suits the players that we have.
“The substitutes that came on did well, and as a team we were excellent. The formation suited the players that we had available really well – it was a top team performance with three very good goals.
“We’re excited to see who we get in the next round. We know that the WSL teams come into the draw, so we’ll be watching it.”
Midfielder Fran Orthodoxou says the win over Leeds gives the Baggies plenty of “togetherness” and “momentum” as they head into a black country derby against Wolves – their final clash of 2025.
“We knew what to expect from Leeds,” Orthodoxou said. “We knew we had to work the ball quickly, and move them around.
“In the second half, we were more clinical compared to the last few weeks which is great to see.
“I think we’re quite an adaptable team, we can switch between different formations and I think the team did well today. I would say the first half was frustrating, but I knew the girls would get through it.
“We’ve got such a good squad this season. It’s not just the starting XI that wins us games, it’s the whole squad instead.
“We’ve got togetherness in the group to get points over the line. We’re full of confidence now, we’ve got a few goals in after the last few weeks.
“We’re definitely ready for next week, we feel we have the momentum as well.”
