Hodgetts-Still can have no excuses after West Brom Women loss v Nottingham Forest
West Brom Women ended a disappointing season in poor fashion as they were demolished by champions Nottingham Forest 7-2.
It is no secret that the Baggies’ season has been underwhelming. There were increased expectations this campaign, especially when Siobhan Hodgetts-Still was named West Brom’s first-ever full-time manager in February.
However, West Brom Women were left to slump over the finish line, producing just one win in their final five matches.
Their result on the final day summed up the final months of their campaign as they collapsed against Nottingham Forest, as the hosts won promotion.
West Brom’s second-half collapse against Nottingham Forest unacceptable
Few would have expected the Baggies to pick up a result against Forest. The hosts went into the final day unbeaten, and a sole point away from promotion to the second tier.
Yet, against the full-time outfit, Hodgetts-Still’s side went ahead just eight minutes in thanks to Phoebe Warner.
Forest eventually turned the game on its head before half-time, but the Baggies were still in the game at just 2-1 down.
Yet, in the second half, West Brom Women completely collapsed. Forest netted three times in just 12 minutes to make it 5-1 on the hour mark.
While the visitors managed to get a goal back through Marli Rhodes, the Reds netted another two to inflict a painful final-day defeat for the Baggies.
| Position | Team | Points | Goal-difference |
| 6th | Liverpool Feds | 32 | -18 |
| 7th | West Brom | 22 | -21 |
| 8th | Hull City | 22 | -28 |
| 9th | Derby County | 21 | -18 |
| 10th | Sporting Khalsa | 21 | -28 |
| 11th | Halifax | 7 | -73 |
| 12th | Stourbridge | 5 | -73 |
Such a result, considering that the club was leading and only 2-1 down at half-time, is completely unacceptable.
While Forest were by far one of the best teams in the division this season, they have dropped points previously, and only beat the Baggies 2-0 in the reverse fixture.
The result meant that the Baggies finished seventh. However, they were only one point off 10th placed Sporting Khalsa in the 12-team division.
West Brom’s attention turns to potential cup glory
While the result on the weekend was no doubt disappointing, there is potential for the season to have a good ending.
The Baggies are set to play in the Birmingham County Challenge Cup on 29 April against Rugby Borough.
It will no doubt be a tough match for Hodgett-Still’s side, with their opponents finishing two places and 20 points above them in the table.
However, it is not an impossible task. West Brom beat Rugby 1-0 in their last meeting in March.
If they can repeat this feat on Tuesday, it will be a silver lining to a disappointing campaign at the Hawthorns.