Women’s FA Cup: Chelsea edge Man Utd as Arsenal and Man City progress
Holders Chelsea overcame Manchester United in extra time to reach the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, joining fellow heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester City in the last eight.
Defender Naomi Girma proved the unlikely hero for the Blues, tapping in a 99th-minute winner to settle a tight contest.
The United States international reacted quickest to prod home from close range after the visitors failed to clear a corner.
It was a cruel blow for Marc Skinner’s side, who had shown resilience to force the extra period at Kingsmeadow.
Australian forward Sam Kerr had initially put the hosts ahead, coming off the bench to steer home Veerle Buurman’s knockdown.
However, substitute Simi Awujo responded for the Red Devils, arriving at the back post to equalize with nine minutes of normal time remaining.
The result gives Sonia Bompastor’s team a significant psychological advantage before the two sides meet again in next month’s League Cup final.
Top-flight giants ease through
While Chelsea were forced to work hard for their progression, 14-time winners Arsenal enjoyed a more comfortable afternoon.
The Gunners claimed a 3-0 victory over Bristol City, with captain Kim Little scoring in a second successive FA Cup tie.
Victoria Pelova and Frida Maanum added second-half goals to secure the result for the north London club.
However, the win was marred by a head injury to winger Olivia Smith, who required a stretcher to leave the field.
Current Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City were equally ruthless elsewhere, dispatching second-tier Sheffield United 4-0.
Gareth Taylor’s side raced into a three-goal lead within 22 minutes, powered by two close-range finishes from England winger Lauren Hemp.
Aoba Fujino added a low drive before Laura Coombs poked home a fourth in the dying moments to cap a dominant display.
Vidosic returns for Brighton victory
In another all-WSL tie, Brighton secured a 2-1 win at West Ham as manager Dario Vidosic returned to the dugout.
The 38-year-old had been in Australia for the past month following the passing of his father, Rado.
Veteran playmaker Fran Kirby produced a commanding first-half performance, contributing a goal and an assist to welcome her manager back with a win.
West Ham attempted a late fightback through Leila Wandeler’s 75th-minute strike but could not find an equalizer.
Outside the top flight, Birmingham City recorded the biggest win of the round with an 8-0 thrashing of Chatham Town.
Oceane Hurtre starred for the Blues with a hat-trick on Friday night.
Charlton Athletic also progressed, edging out fourth-tier Oxford United thanks to a late penalty from Lucy Fitzgerald.
When is the quarter-final draw?
The draw for the last eight will take place on Monday, 23 February at 19:00 GMT.
Fans can watch the draw live on TNT Sports 1 and the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel.
The quarter-final ties are scheduled to be played on Sunday, 5 April.