West Brom women aim to bounce back
West Brom women have their sights set on defending the National League Plate following a disappointing 4-2 defeat to lower-league Barnsley in the first round of the National Cup.
Albion took the lead in the 14th minute through Trina Greaves, but failed to capitalise and trailed 2-1 at half-time. Following the break, things got worse as Barnsley stretched their lead to 4-1.
Substitute Jade Arber pulled one back for the Baggies in the 88th minute, a mere consolation.
Manager Louis Sowe said his team started well, but ‘didn’t capitalise’ after taking an early lead. He said mistakes from his team meant Albion ‘couldn’t get a proper foothold in the game’.
Barnsley play in National League Division One North, the fourth tier of women’s football and one step below Albion. The Baggies now enter the National League Plate, a trophy they won last season with a 5-1 victory over Liverpool Feds in the final.
However, its defence will be difficult according to Sowe, who added: “It depends on the luck of the draw.
“There are some really tough teams that have gone out, Oxford, Watford, and Nottingham Forest.”
Sowe is ‘content’ with his squad despite the result, having made four signings during the summer.
His team are now looking ahead to the game against Burnley on Sunday in National League North after losing their opening league fixture against Sunderland 2-0. “We have a tough week of training ahead of us,” he said. “We’re looking to get the three points.”
Kick-off at Walsall Wood on Sunday is 2pm.
