Megan Todd and Hugh McCluskie stepped up in the absence of Perry Northeast (Image: Richard Brown)

The Canaries’ boss handed the reins over to Todd and fellow assistant Hugh McCluskie while in recovery from a knee injury sustained while coaching prior to the league defeat to West Bromwich Albion last Sunday.

City celebrations after skipper Grace Riglar opens the scoring (Image: Richard Brown)

City were twice pegged back either side of half-time, despite well-taken goals from Grace Riglar and Faith Harrison, but soon found their rhythm, with Sienna Booty scoring on her full debut and a late brace from substitute Issy Moore.

Sienna Booty scored her first goal for City in the 62nd minute (Image: Richard Brown)

Northeast’s assistant revealed he was still playing his usual part from afar and that the extenuating circumstances had little impact on being able to reach the second round.

“He’s recovering well - he was gutted to not be here today but was still heavily involved behind the scenes,” Todd said. “I spoke to him this morning (and) straight after the game.

“He’s been fantastic since he came into the club, brought in a style of play and supports the players' development. We know what they’re going into because of the concepts and principles that Perry’s embedded.

Faith Harrison celebrates her 28th-minute goal  (Image: Richard Brown)

“It wasn’t anything out of our comfort zones today because we know what he wants to implement. We can’t wait to have him back and wish him a really speedy recovery.”

Sitting second in the West Midlands Premier, Redditch were up against the highest-ranked club they had ever faced in their history and made a statement of intent when Daisy Clements pounced on a heavy touch and sent a piledriver over Poppy Irvine from 35 yards.

They then raced out of the blocks to punish another lapse in concentration as Alisha Sheridan notched a remarkable 19th goal involvement in just seven appearances, squaring the ball for team-mate Jessica Hood to tap home.

But it was City midfielder Booty who stepped up when Norwich needed a spark, meeting Harrison’s well-weighted cross with her first touch to send it flying into the roof of the net.

“I’ve known Sie through the academy, so I’m really pleased to see her get her goal today,” said Todd.

“She’s been brilliant in training, we’ve tried her in the higher role a bit recently because she’s brilliant on the ball and picks up some really good spaces. She’s waited for her opportunity and continues to put herself in the mix for us to make decisions.

“For them (Redditch) it’s a really big occasion and we knew that they weren’t going to make it easy for us. There’s bits we can tidy up, but we scored five today from different scorers.

“It was just in terms of our movement off the ball, some concepts we needed to utilise a bit more. Once we started to do that we created some good opportunities and there were some fantastic strikes in there as well.”

Emily Wallace made a welcome return having spent several weeks out through injury  (Image: Richard Brown)

Norwich were also boosted by defender Emily Wallace and forward Elliana Martin both returning from injuries, while Evie Williams played 58 minutes after ending her six-week spell on the sidelines against West Brom in the league.

The clash may well have have been a significant occasion for Todd as well as the visitors, having played for City before going on to coach in the academy and then lead the first team.

Lara Densley provided the important assist for Grace Riglar's 17th-minute goal  (Image: Richard Brown)

Todd said she was honoured to do so, but added that her focus was firmly on the game and now turns to preparations for the visit to Peterborough United on Wednesday (7.45pm).

“I haven’t even thought about it from that perspective,” said Todd. “For me, it was just focusing on the group and making sure we were best prepared for this game.

“Obviously it’s always an absolute honour to be in the club working in some capacity. We’re already debriefing and talking about what the next few days look like.”