Albion boss left proud as her team just fall short in the latest Black Country derby. Siobhan Hodgetts-Still insists lessons in front of goal must be learned.

Proud Albion Women boss Siobhan Hodgetts-Still focused on the positives in a bid to finish the season well as her side were edged out by rivals Wolves at Molineux.

The title-chasing hosts claimed the three points via Amber Hughes’ late diving header to decide a tight clash in which the fifth-placed Baggies gave a strong account of themselves.

The defeat leaves Albion fifth in the Northern Premier, step three of the women’s pyramid, with a game in hand on rivals to make up ground above.

Albion’s Riya Mannu was unable to take advantage of an early break through on goal, and Taylor Reynolds fired wide. Monique Robinson also went close to latching on to an inviting cross.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t get anything from the game,” Hodgetts-Still said. “I thought we deserved something, performance-wise we were excellent throughout.

“In the first half, we were the better team, but we didn’t take our chances. We’re not happy that we lost the game, but there are lots of positives to take. I’m really proud of the shift and efforts that the girls put in.

“We’ve spoken about it at the end, but we’ve got to take our chances - especially in the first half. We should’ve scored in the game, but if we don’t, then we can’t win.

“We were excellent, and the shape was brilliant. We counter-attacked quickly and created some good moments. Even as we looked a bit leggy during the last 20 minutes, again, that’s something we have to look at as staff.

“On the whole, we’re disappointed that we lost, but we have to take the positives, and we’ve got three big games left now.”

Albion welcome Liverpool Feds to their Alexander Stadium home in Perry Barr on Sunday (2pm).

Lowly Derby visit the Baggies on April 12 before the final-day clash away at Middlesbrough’s Stockton on April 26. Boro currently sit directly beneath Hodgetts-Still’s side.