Brave West Brom bow out of FA Cup at giants Manchester United

Siobhan Hodgetts-Still's part timers faced a mammoth task as they made the trip to Leigh Sports Village to take on the WSL giants, who are the current cup holders.

They had reached the fourth round for only the second time - and before the game the Baggies boss said her players were facing the biggest game of their careers, in what was the biggest game in their history.

For 77 minutes of the tie, Albion put up a battling display and remained in the game.

The National Northern Premier side fell behind on 23 minutes - as Melvine Malard put United in front.

But Albion more than held their own for the rest of the half - and were in the tie until 13 minutes from time when the gulf between the two sides really began to show.

Two headers from Rachel Williams, a goal from Celin Bizet and a strike from England international Ella Toone made it 5-0 heading into added time.

Albion were then dealt two more cruel blows as Williams completed her hat-trick, before Bizet finished off scoring by bagging a second.

It was a superb effort by Hodgett Still's side to reach the fourth round, and it is the latest positive in what has been a successful few months for the women's side.

Albion owners Bilkul Football have repeatedly expressed their support for the side, and earlier in the season took the decision to incorporate the women's set up into the football club, after it was previously its own entity.

Back in June, chairman Shilen Patel penned an open letter and declared his commitment to developing the women's team at Albion, to aid Hodgett Still's side in mounting a promotion challenge.

It is understood the head coach is in regular contact with sporting director Andrew Nestor, on all matters relating to the women's set up.