Wolves Women are one step away from winning the Birmingham Challenge Cup for the third time in a row, as they face local rivals West Bromwich Albion in the semi-final on Sunday. The match will take place at the New Bucks Head, the home of Telford United, at 2pm.
Wolves Women in fine form
Wolves Women have been in impressive form this season, as they currently sit second in the Northern Premier Division, just three points behind leaders Sunderland. They have won 11 of their 14 league games, scoring 40 goals and conceding only 13.
They have also shown their quality in the FA Cup, where they reached the fifth round and gave a tough fight to Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion, losing 4-1 after conceding three late goals. Wolves Women were the only team from the third tier to make it that far in the competition.
Wolves Women have a strong record in the Challenge Cup, having won it in the last two seasons. In 2022/23, they beat Stourbridge 3-0 in the final at Molineux, with goals from Jade Cross, Anna Morphet and Amber Hughes. In 2021/22, they defeated Coventry United 2-1 in the final at Solihull Moors, with goals from Cross and Tammi George.
West Brom Women pose a threat
West Brom Women are not to be underestimated, as they have shown some improvement in recent weeks. They are currently ninth in the Northern Premier Division, with 14 points from 17 games. They have won four, drawn two and lost 11 of their league matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding 40.
They have also progressed to the semi-final of the Challenge Cup, where they will face their biggest rivals. They have beaten Leafield Athletic and Solihull Moors to get to this stage, scoring seven goals and conceding none.
West Brom Women have not beaten Wolves Women in the last eight meetings, losing seven and drawing one. The last time they met was in October 2023, when Wolves Women won 3-1 at the Valley Stadium, with goals from Morphet, Cross and Hughes. West Brom Women’s only goal came from Phoebe Warner.
What the managers said
Both managers have expressed their excitement and confidence ahead of the semi-final clash. Wolves Women’s manager Dan McNamara said: “It’s a competition we’ve done really well in for the last few years and it’s one we want to continue to do well in. We know that for whoever gets through, Rugby Borough awaits so that’ll be a really good test because they’re flying in the south. It’s a Black Country derby so there should be limited words needed from my perspective, never mind it’s a semi-final as well. Albion are on an upturn of results. It was a poor result last weekend but a really good one at home to Derby a week before. I think it will be the toughest one we’ve faced in a long time.”
West Brom Women’s manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still said: “We’re really looking forward to the game. It’s always a big occasion when we play Wolves and we know it will be a tough challenge. They are a very good side and they have shown that in the league and the FA Cup. But we have also improved a lot since the last time we played them and we have some talented young players who are eager to prove themselves. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We want to make it to the final and give our fans something to cheer about.”
How to watch
Fans who want to watch the game can purchase tickets online or on the gate. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for those aged 3-16. Supporters who cannot attend the game can also listen to live audio commentary on the Wolves website.
The winner of the semi-final will face Rugby Borough in the final, who have already booked their place after beating Coventry Sphinx 4-1 on Wednesday. The date and venue of the final are yet to be confirmed.