West Bromwich Albion Women 1 (Kikomeko 74)
Wolves Women 2 (Price 18, Haynes 44)
Wolves Women secured their first league victory of the season with an impressive 2-1 win over local rivals West Bromwich Albion in front of a crowd of over 200 people in the Black Country Derby at Boldmere St. Michael’s FC on Tuesday night.
Wolves started strongly and had an early chance as a free kick from Courtney Jones on the edge of the box swerved over the wall and rattled off the bar.
The visitors continued to press and in the 18th minute Wolves captain Anna Price, pictured, celebrated her 250th appearance for the club by firing an 18 yard shot past Gardner in the Albion goal to put Wolves ahead.
Albion pushed forward on the hunt for the equaliser but were denied twice - first with a goal line clearance, and then having a goal disallowed for a foul on Wolves’ keeper Sophie Glenny.
The game was end to end with both teams creating chances. Billie Haynes went close for Wolves before Albion hit the post and were again denied by Glenny.
In the 44th minute Wolves doubled their lead as Haynes chipped the ball over Gardner from 45 yards out giving Wolves a 2-0 lead at the break.
Albion started the second half pressing forward and had a great chance after a scramble in the box ended in a shot on goal, but Glenny made the save.
Wolves responded with a long range shot from Emma Cross which went wide.
In the 74th minute Albion pulled a goal back through Jennifer Kikomeko whose flicked header beat Glenny to make it 2-1 to Wolves, setting up a nervy last 15 minutes.
The game was still switching from end to end with both teams having opportunities to score, but Wolves held firm to record their first league victory of the season and move off the bottom of the table.
Wolves Manager Tim Dudding said: “I’m ecstatic with the performance tonight and for the players. They thoroughly deserved the win as they were the ones who put the graft in.
“It is justification for what we do and the way we play football. Those three points were long overdue and tonight we have been able to prove that we can do it. Now we have to do it again.”
This Sunday 22nd October sees Wolves Women turn their attention to the FA Women’s Premier League Plate as they entertain Long Eaton United Ladies at Hednesford Town FC with a 2pm kick-off. Admission is £2; concessions and Wolves season ticket holders £1.
TEAM: Glenny, McQuilkin, Anslow, C.Jones (Whetton), Widdal, Butler, E. Cross, Price (C), J. Cross, Robinson, Haynes (Bavington). SUBS: Foster, Bate, Hakeman.
PICTURE COURTESY MARK BIRCHILL
