Albion Women are closing in on safety after their best result yet in the top flight.

They came from behind to beat fourth-placed Birmingham City 2-1 in FA WSL with goals by Kayleigh Green and Ellie Brazil.

It was a super win over quality opposition and leaves them on 12 points, nine clear of Yeovil and the relegation spot.

It was also a proud night for manager Hope Powell, whose voice echoed around the stands as she directed and encouraged her side in one of their toughest tests.

Powell said:“I’m not sure it was our best performance but probably the best result.

“Birmingham are fourth in the league so it is a massive three points for us.

“In terms of how we conducted ourselves and managed the game, we did really well. I’m really pleased.”

They might have taken a 12th-minute lead when Green turned sharply and shot across the face of goal.

Albion gave summer signing Emily Simpkins, who has been troubled by injury, a first WSL start for the club.

And their back-line had a an unusual look to it with Danni Buet in central defence and Victoria Williams on the right.

They looked pretty comfortable until Ellen White gave Blues a 26th-minute lead.

Albion were actually looking to build a counter attack but a pass was picked off on halfway.

Birmingham went through the middle and White held off a tackle before getting in a shot which Sophie Harris got to but could not keep out.

It was potentially a hammer blow for the hosts but they reacted superbly and levelled three minutes later following a spell of pressure which was sparked by Megan Connolly’s tackle in midfield.

Green had a shot which Hannah Hampton parried, with Ini Umotong just unable to get to the rebound. The pressure continued and, when Fliss Gibbons swung in delicious cross, Green arrived at the far post to turn home her first goal for the club.

It almost got better as Umotong bounced a shot off the Birmingham crossbar.

Then, at the other end. Harris cursed her luck as she saw Lucy Staniforth’s header deflect gently past her off Gibbons - only to then thank her lucky stars as the ball bounced against the post rather than nestling in the bottom corner.

Albion reached half-time on level terms once White had blazed a good chance off target.

Hayley Ladd shot weakly at Harris after the break when the hosts failed to deal with a long ball.

Albion had to defend well at times - as did City’s Aoife Mannion with a brilliant tackle as Brazil bore down on goal. But the hosts went ahead on 72 minutes when Brazil headed home a fabulous corner delivery from Megan Connolly.

Some heroic defending in added time ensured that goal was a winner.

Powell added: “It was a tight game. Technically they ran us a bit. We had to be resilient in defence, very disciplined.

“I think we executed the stuff we said in training and we had a really good feeling.

“Everything about it felt right and thankfully it paid off."

Albion: Harris; Williams, F.Whelan, Buet, Gibbons; Brazil, Simpkins, Connolly, A.Whelan (Peplow 90+2); Green (Nilden 87), Umotong (Natkiel 68).