Davies leads goal rush for Albion Women

The Baggies cruised past Nettleham Ladies on Sunday, winning 7-1 to move six points clear of rivals Wolves in National League Division One Midlands – which is in the fourth tier of women’s football.

Laura Davies bagged a hat-trick in the first half, and the pick of her goals was a sublime 30-yard effort in the 24th minute.

Jess Davies, Fran Orthodoxou, Hannah Baines and Hannah George were also on the scoresheet.

The Baggies are six ahead of Wolves with four games remaining, although their Black Country rivals only have three fixtures left to play.

It means Albion only need four points from their remaining four games, after winning all 16 so far, to clinch the title and promotion back to the National League Premier Division North in the third tier.

Albion play their game in hand over Wolves this weekend when they travel to Bedworth United on Sunday.

The Baggies will then be competing in the final of the FA Women’s National League Plate Final on Sunday, April 14, against Milton Keynes Dons Ladies.

Although Louis Sowe’s team lost their semi-final to Gillingham 1-0, the Gills were disqualified from the competition for fielding two ineligible players.

The pair had not matched the required first-team appearances prior to the semi-final in order to be eligible to play against the Baggies.

Last weekend, midfielder Trina Greaves played her first game for Albion following her return to the side from Nottingham Forest.

The 31-year-old, who came off the bench against Nettleham, played a crucial role in the double-winning side of 2016 that clinched both the Premier League Northern Division and the Birmingham FA County Cup.

Manager Sowe said: “I’m delighted to bring Trina back to the club.

“Trina adds valuable experience to our group, but also knowledge of the league above having played there for many years and winning the league in her previous spell here.

“When we played Nottingham Forest Ladies last season – on both occasions she was by far the best player on the pitch, which means she still has a lot to offer.

“The biggest compliment I can give her is she’s a player everyone hates to play against, but would all love to have in their team.

“She’s strong, aggressive in pressing and tackling. Wins first and second balls, but can also play with her football ability. I’m really looking forward to working with her.”