**Albion Women’s Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup defence came to an end at the Alexander Stadium on Wednesday evening.**
The Baggies were largely stoic in their defensive efforts, but a Rachael Quigley brace - both goals coming via corners - proved to be the difference between the two Black Country rivals.
Boss Hodgetts-Still made two changes to the side that beat Hull City Ladies in their last match. Izzy Green and Naomi Sharp replaced dual-registered Birmingham City youngsters Riya Mannu and Lucy Day - who are both ineligible for BCFA Challenge Cup competitions.
The hosts put up a resolute test for their rivals in the first half. Defender Naomi Sharp cut out a dangerous run from Amber Hughes early on, before Beth Merrick struck the bar with a speculative effort.
Albion had their forays forward too, particularly through the driving darts of creative midfielder Monique Robinson, who managed to carve out a few openings for attackers Marli Rhodes and Ellie May
As the second half began, flying full-back Taylor Reynolds found plenty of room behind the Wolves back-line, but opted for an ambitious shot which didn’t test goalkeeper Alex Brooks.
The visitors grabbed the opener just before the hour mark as Quigley met a corner at the back post. The forward’s initial effort hit the bar, but fell kindly for her to nod into an empty net.
And they notched a second shortly after. Another Anna Morphet corner found the head of Quigley, who was alert in the box to double the visiting advantage.
The Baggies couldn’t find a way to hit back against their opponents, and were ultimately left to mull their exit from the competition at the semi-final stage.
**Albion: Clarke; Sharp, Creaney, Green; Reynolds, Watkins (Orthodoxou 69’), Rabjohn, Robinson, May, Rhodes (Jhamat 69’).**
**Substitutes: Johnson, Heselden, Janny.**