West Brom Women are aiming for a third unbeaten game when they host Stourbridge at the Paycare Ground in the FAWNL Northern Premier this evening.
The two are close local rivals but there was a stark contrast between the two sides when they met back in October as Stourbridge ran out 7-2 winners at the War Memorial Athletic Ground.
Albion drew with Burnley last weekend and head coach Siobhan Hodgetts-Still believes her side were full-value for last weekend’s draw against the Clarets, which saw them return to The Hawthorns.
“I’m really proud of the girls,” Hodgetts-Still said.
“I thought defensively we were excellent and in the first 20 minutes, we caused them problems.
“We created chances and we got the early goal. Although, Burnley did dominate large parts of the game after that.
“Our defensive shape was excellent throughout also we were good on the counter and we caused quite a few problems that way.
“It’s Mother’s Day, it was raining and we still got a good turnout. So for me, I want to thank everyone who came and supported us at The Hawthorns.”
"It was raining, it's Mother's Day and we still got a good turnout."
— West Bromwich Albion Women (@WBAWomen) March 10, 2024
Head coach @Shevs_20 on an enjoyable afternoon at The Hawthorns. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/WAHY8wMGRO
Stourbridge, meanwhile, were beaten 3-0 by runaway league leaders Newcastle United, despite a valiant effort.
The Glassgirls are perched nine points above the relegation zone, a successful outing in the FAWNL Northern Premier following their promotion from the FAWNL Division One Midlands last season.
Head coach Mike Harris believes they were promising whilst being on the wrong end of the scoreline.
“It’s tough, they’re a good side as expected,” Harris admitted, speaking on Stourbridge’s YouTube channel.
“It looks like they’ll be on their way up to the Championship with the results today.
“It’s been great for the league having a full-time outfit in it.
“They’re a brilliant side and they worked hard, it’s two different worlds for us.
“The grit and determination to get behind the ball is superb.
“Our back-line were also very physical and solid when they needed to be.
“We had our moments too, and could’ve gone in at half-time ahead.”
Northern Premier Division 👀 @scfc_women move up a spot following a late winner on the road ⚽️#FAWNL pic.twitter.com/tnPr2L6dGm
— FA Women's National League (@FAWNL) March 10, 2024
Stourbridge midfielder Niamh Murphy, who signed in the summer of 2021 from Stoke City, told club media they’re in for a tricky test tonight.
“Any game at the business end of the season can be difficult,” Murphy said.
“Anything can happen on the night and we’re ready for a tough task.
“We’ll do what we need to do to get things right for Thursday.”
Albion Predicted XI – Miller, Brown, Reavill, Newell, George, Loydon, Evans, Warner, Jhamat, Rabjohn, Cole.
Stourbridge Predicted XI – Bamford, Heaselgrave, Timms, Embley, Murphy, Clarke, Clements, Moran, Fishwick, Butler, Grove.
West Brom Women vs Stourbridge gets underway at 19:45 on Thursday, March 14 at the Paycare Stadium in Darlaston.
