Goals from Leanne Robinson and Leigh Dugmore secured the Baggies’ spot in the Women’s County Cup quarter-finals with defeat for Solihull Moors.

A chaotic opening ten minutes at the Abacus Lighting Community Arena saw chances drop to both sides, with Dugmore going closest with her header rattling against the crossbar. Play was soon brought to a halt with West Brom captain Hannah George unable to continue due to injury. The Moors experienced some joy down that right channel in her absence, with the no.10 breaking Albion’s high line on a couple of occasions. The hosts experienced most of the possession in the first half but a swift counter from West Brom in the 25th minute caused serious issues for the home side.

A shot from Mariam Mahmood was forced behind for a corner following a smart run, with the resulting corner finding Leanne Robinson from Shannon Stamps’ delivery, who tapped home for the opener. Solihull responded quickly with full-back Annie Ackroyd causing issues from deep, with searching deliveries causing issues in the Baggies’ penalty area. While dominating possession, a chance for skipper Zoe Creaney was the best of the lot on the brink of half-time, with her header glanced narrowly over from a free-kick. 

The visitors came out for the second half looking to double the lead, with Dugmore ever-present in front of goal. The no.14 forced a save from Jodie Whiteman before turning in the second goal of the game in the 53rd minute. A cross from the right fell to Mahmood with her effort palmed away by the Moors keeper before Dugmore quickly fired in to install a two-goal cushion. Mahmood went close again, with a quick build-up by Rosie Embley and Robinson before delivering a cross to the no.25 who headed straight at the keeper. 

Substitute Leah Seivwright became the best hope of getting back into the game for Solihull, with her effort deflected wide with 15 minutes left to play. The no.19 ran in behind moments later, forcing another save from Poppy Bastock. Creaney was presented with the side’s best chance of the half again in the 86th minute, with a strong strike from distance hitting the crossbar. The visitors dealt with the pressure effectively, with the Moors unable to find a way back into the game. They dominated possession in the early stages of the game and created dangerous chances on either side of half-time but lacked that clinical edge.

Albion now progress to the final eight of the competition, hoping to continue their positive run into 2022.