Manchester United saw off the challenge of Championship side Lewes to reach the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
Lewes were the lowest ranked side left in the competition and they went behind when Rhian Cleverly’s own goal put the Women’s Super League title challengers in front just eight minutes in.
Vilde Boe Risa doubled the lead after the break but the hosts got back into the game soon after when an error from Mary Earps saw the ball fall to Emily Kraft on the edge of the box, with the forward lobbing the United keeper.
The Dripping Pan crowd were lifted by the goal before sub Nikita Parris ensured the visitors reached the next round with a tidy finish from a tight angle in the 89th minute.
Blues advance
Holders Chelsea sealed their spot in the last four by beating fellow WSL side Reading 3-1.
Goals from Jess Carter and a penalty from Maren Mjelde put the Blues in the driving seat going into the break before a great pass from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd found Alsu Abdullina, who squared the ball to Guro Reiten to add a third five minutes after the restart.
The Royals earned a consolation through Sanne Troelsgaard in the 70th minute but the visitors were able to see the game out as they look to defend their title.
THROUGH TO THE SEMIS! 😁#WomensFACup pic.twitter.com/6kedLyas3h
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 19, 2023
Seagulls soar through
Birmingham were the other remaining Championship team in the competition but were knocked out by Brighton following a 2-0 win at St Andrew’s.
Two goals within four minutes were enough for the visitors as Poppy Pattinson put the Seagulls ahead from a corner and Danielle Carter converted from the penalty spot.
Villa complete semi-final line-up
Aston Villa completed the semi-final line-up in Sunday’s late game, beating three-time winners Manchester City 2-1 after extra-time.
Captain Rachel Corsie gave the home side the lead after 20 minutes when her header from a corner took a slight deflection off Esme Morgan and flew beyond goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck.
Deyna Castellanos equalised before half-time with a looping header.
Corsie missed a good chance to win the tie with the last action of normal time but Rachel Daly tapped home Villa’s winner from close range in the 97th minute.
We have our #WomensFACup semi-finalists!
🌟 @AVWFCOfficial
🌟 @BHAFCWomen
🌟 @ChelseaFCW
🌟 @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/JlfFgseWBy— Vitality Women’s FA Cup (@VitalityWFACup) March 19, 2023
