Becky Hall scored against her former club as Wolves Women lost out in the semi-final the Birmingham County Cup. In a game that saw the away side enjoying lots of possession, Wolves' goalkeeper Becky Thomas (pictured) earned words of praise for a string of fine saves.

Birmingham started brighter and took the lead after just four minutes. Slack marking from Wolves allowed Laura Bassett enough space and time at the back post to drill home from 12-yards.

Wolves' shape improved and their defence was looking more comfortable but Birmingham continued to pile on the pressure. Wolves' defender Michelle Thomas was in fine form as Blues grew frustrated searching for a second.

A stunning strike from 25-yards crashed off the crossbar and then landed in fortunate Thomas's hands with Birmingham enjoying plenty of the ball in the final third, but lacking a cutting edge, giving Wolves hope of getting back into the game.

A lively Nicole Ledgister and a battling midfield saw Wanderers pick up the pace and finally get going, only for Becky Hall to grab a goal and knock the stuffing out of the home team with 10 minutes to go in the first half. A swift counter-attack from Blues saw Hall bring the ball down with a great first touch and slot home from eight-yards.

In the dying seconds of the half, Wolves' Sarah Lambeth picked up the only booking of the game with a late tackle, after giving away possession in midfield.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Birmingham City 2

With a mountain to climb, Wolves started the better after the break, but Blues always looked good on the counter attack. Ledgister broke down the left, but was thwarted by confident defending from the visitors.

Neither side took control of the second half, with Wolves restricting Blues to long-range shots which were safely claimed by Thomas.

In the 73^rd minute, though, City sealed Wolves' Cup fate with a well-taken third after Thomas's goal kick hardly left her own box. The ball came straight back through the back four and Katy Ward fizzed a right-footed shot into the roof of the net.

As the game neared its climax, Wolves continued to show plenty of effort but the opposition, littered with international players, proved too strong.

Birmingham now face West Bromwich Albion in the final, while Wolves go back to league action. Next Sunday 24^th February sees them travel to Coventry City. Their next home fixture is on Sunday 2^nd March against West Bromwich Albion. The game will be played at Goodrich Sports Stadium, Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, with a 2.30pm kick-off.