Match report as Wolves Women and West Brom Women face off at Molineux.
Wolves Women kept pressure on league leaders Burnley with a narrow Black Country derby win over West Brom Women at Molineux.
The hosts made a solid start to the game and were finding some joy down the left flank, but it was the visitors that had the first big chance when Riya Mannu charged through on goal.
Anna Morphet recovered, however, to make a superb defensive tackle and deny a shot on goal.
Head coach Dan McNamara was becoming increasingly frustrated as Wolves failed to capitalise on their possession and played too many stray passes, as Taylor Reynolds took aim for Albion and fired wide.
Amber Hughesplaceholder image
Amber Hughes | Getty
Monique Robinson almost got on the end of a cross following a good attacking move from Albion, but Georgia Marshall made a well-timed interception.
Wolves forward Amber Hughes came close with two efforts from distance, but the hosts entered half-time frustrated at their lack of conviction and a goalless stalemate.
The hosts attempted to play at a higher tempo as the second half got under way, and Beth Merrick’s cross almost reached Hughes in the box in an early chance.
As Wolves pushed for the opening goal, Charlotte Greengrass had a header saved from another Merrick cross, this time from the left as Wolves recycled a cleared corner.
Amber Hughes scoresplaceholder image
Amber Hughes scores | Getty
Tammi George then came close to meeting another cross as Wolves pushed Albion back.
Merrick was impressing down Wolves’ right and a tremendous delivery into the box was begging for a touch, but was cleared by Albion’s defence.
With less than 15 minutes of the 90 remaining, Wolves finally took the lead. A stunning Morphet cross from the left came all the way through to Hughes who delivered a diving header at the far post, sending boss McNamara racing down the Molineux touchline in celebration.
Amber Hughes scoresplaceholder image
Amber Hughes scores | Getty
A scrappy end to the game saw neither side create another meaningful chance, as Wolves secured an important three points in their promotion push.
Wolves remain four points behind Burnley in the National League Northern Premier Division, but have a game in hand, with just three matches remaining in the league season.
McNamara’s side are guaranteed to finish at least second and if they are runners up, they will face a play-off match against second-placed in the Southern Division, to win promotion to the Women’s Super League 2.
Key Moments
GOAL 76 Hughes heads Wolves into the lead.
Teams
Wolves: Brooks, Harkin, Morphet, Marshall, George, Loydon (Anderson, 45), Hughes, Greengrass (Quigley, 84), Johnson (Jenner, 72), Roberts (Worsey, 72), Merrick (Williams, 88).
Subs not used: Howe, Stocking.
West Brom: Clarke, Reynolds, Orthodoxou, Green, Jhamat (Rhodes, 73), Rabjohn, Sharp (May, 92), Mannu, Robinson, Haughey, Day.
Subs not used: Johnson, Watkins, Janny, Heselden.
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