West Brom 0 Wolves 2 (Quigley 57’, 65’)
Wolves Women once again claimed Black Country bragging rights as they booked their spot in the Birmingham FA Challenge Cup Final with a 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion at the Alexander Stadium.
Two close range headers from two Anna Morphet corners for striker Racheal Quigley secured the passage to the final as the Old Gold used set pieces to overcome a low block from the hosts.
Dan McNamara made six changes to his line up from Sunday’s clash at Burnley, with the likes of Quigley and Abi Loydon coming into the side, while Casey Howe made her first start of her Wolves career.
Both sides struggled to create chances in the opening stages, with Wolves’ first sight on goal coming midway through the first period as Tammi George glanced the ball wide from Howe’s deep delivery.
Beth Merrick then rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box before Quigley headed over Anna Morphet’s corner as the Old Gold edged closer to an opener.
Half-time: West Brom 0-0 Wolves
Wolves began the second period on the same vein as they looked to unlock a tight Baggies defence early on. Howe flashes a dangerous cross towards the back post with Amber Hughes just inches from a connection.
Merrick and Quigley both came close again, the Australian heading over before Wolves’ no.28 tested Charlotte Clarke from the edge of the area.
The deserved lead came on 57 minutes as Quigley nodded home from just a couple of yards out after Morphet’s corner was headed onto the bar by Georgia Marshall.
Quigley then doubled her tally from another Morphet corner less than ten minutes later as she sent a bullet header past Clarke at the back post.
It wasn’t until 20 minutes from time that Alex Brooks made her first real save of the game, denying Simran Jhamat with a save low down to her right, clutching the effort.
Wolves worked hard to increase their lead as substitute Louanne Worsey mopped up Tammi George’s blocked effort but could only rattle the crossbar.
Full time: West Brom 0-2 Wolves
A Challenge Cup Final against Rugby Borough to look forward to is now the prize for Dan McNamara’s side who face their Black Country Derby rivals again at Molineux in the league on Sunday 29th March, with tickets on sale now.
West Brom: Clarke, Reynolds, Green, Watkins (Orthodoxou 69’), Rabjohn, Rhodes (Jhamat 69’), May, Sharp, Robinson, Haughey.
Subs: Johnson, Janny, Heselden.
Wolves: Brooks, Harkin, Morphet, Marshall, George, Loydon, Hughes (Greengrass 65’), Quigley (Cross 84’), Johnson (Williams 71’), Howe (Worsey 62’), Merrick (Roberts 78’).
