MATCH REPORT: WEST BROMWICH ALBION 4 - 1 LINCOLN UNITED WFC

After a convincing 4-0 win against Shifnal Town in the First Round proper of the FA Cup, United were poised with a tough away fixture against West Bromwich Albion Women’s. ‘The Whites’ entered the fixture as huge underdogs, with the opposition playing their football two steps above United in the FA Women’s National League North.

The Baggies were sharp out the blocks, causing a major threat with their pace and trickery which the United defence struggled to deal with. West Brom scored the opening goal of the game after eight minutes from a dangerous low cross on the left-wing which was slotted home by Stamps to give the home side an early lead.

West Brom WFC 1 - 0 #TheWhites

The team from the West Midlands continued to utilize their wide players and it paid off in the 17th minute when another low cross was fizzed across the box, this time from the right-hand side which was calmly dispatched by Gallop.

West Brom WFC 2 - 0 #TheWhites

The National League North side continued to show their high quality for the remainder of the half by dominating possession of the ball and nullifying any possible attacking threat from United. The score line could have been much much heavier if it wasn’t for the heroics from Rosie Davidson in goal who had a standout performance in net, producing two fantastic saves in the first half to keep the score at 2-0 heading into the half-time break.

West Brom WFC 2 - 0 Lincoln United (HT)

The second half saw a change in shape and intensity from United. ‘The Whites’ came out with a point to prove and were on the front foot for the first time in the game during the opening minutes of the half. Lincoln’s early momentum was rewarded in the 56th minute when Olivia Smith struck a powerful freekick that stung the hands of the keeper and trickled into the back of the net.

West Brom WFC 2 - 1 #TheWhites

After United’s goal was scored, they failed to maintain their positive start to the half and the momentum of the game took a drastic change with the home side beginning to find their passing patterns again and creating numerous chances. Amongst the onslaught of chances, Davidson produced a superb double save in the 63rd minute with her cat-like reflexes to deny the Albion attackers.

West Brom WFC 3 - 1 #TheWhites

After waves of attack, West Brom would eventually get their third goal after capitalizing on a mix-up between the United backline which led to an open goal for Greaves who slotted home.

West Brom WFC 4 - 1 #TheWhites

Jenny Sugarman’s side put the final nail in the coffin in the 81st minute when Walklett found herself free inside the box and finished comfortably into the side netting.

Lincoln United Women’s furthest FA Cup run came to an end in the second round against a very impressive West Brom side who thoroughly deserved the victory. United can be pleased with their performance and the way they battled against a step three side which was appreciated by the manager Chris Funnell.
“I thought the girls worked so hard,” he said. “We knew we were going to be up against it and I’m absolutely delighted with how well we defended.”
‘The Whites’ return to action in the league for the first time in eight weeks against Rise Park Ladies on Sunday 5th December, 14:00 KO.

West Brom WFC 4-1 Lincoln United (FT)

Match Report by Nathan Matthie