Elated Albion Women Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still says she’s “buzzing” after winning the Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Tuesday.
The Baggies went on a goalscoring rout to pick up a dominant 6-2 victory over league rivals Rugby Borough in front of a buoyant crowd in Walsall.
Striker Rhianne Oakley grabbed a brace, while Ali Miller, Phoebe Warner, Marli Rhodes and Simran Jhamat all notched during an incredibly successful evening for the club.
West Bromwich Albion. Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup champions 2024/25. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Q9lKQSAu9T
— West Bromwich Albion Women (@WBAWomen) April 29, 2025
“I think my smile says it all really,” Hodgetts-Still said. “I’m absolutely buzzing for the staff and the players to get that win and bring that silverware home.
“I thought performance-wise it was excellent throughout the game. First half, I thought we dominated and picked some really good moments to press and counter-attacked really well.
“I thought our finishing was excellent and I don't think I could ask for more from them. I'm really proud and I'm really happy for them, they deserve that.
“It's been a long season, we’ve done well in the cup, and we've done really well to bring that home tonight. I think tonight was massively deserved for them.
“It all came together for us. I’ve said it all season when we play like that with confidence and togetherness, I’ll back us against anyone. We stuck to the plan. To win 6-2 in a final - I’m just speechless really.”
A brace from striker Oakley was enough to put plenty of distance between themselves and the eventual runners-up on the night, and she was delighted to help her team to their first trophy in six years.
The Welsh forward said: “Honestly it feels amazing. We’ve had a tough season and to finish it on such a highlight like this and a scoreline of 6-2, it just shows the desire and the teamwork we have in this squad.
“Everyone coming off the bench, the people who came off the bench, players who didn’t come on, the fans, the staff, everyone backed us in that game. They helped us through to get the win.
“I’ve worked hard this season and every player loves playing these games. These games are what you play for and work hard for, so to score two and get player of the match just tops it off for me.”
For Hodgetts-Still, a childhood Baggies fan, to pick up her first piece of silverware in charge was a “surreal” experience.
“I’m buzzing. For me to go from playing in several finals for the club, to be on the sideline today, it doesn’t get any more surreal.
“The girls were saying they’ve been in a couple of these finals on the losing side, so tonight it’s amazing for them to experience this.
“We’ll be sure to celebrate well over the next couple of days.”
