Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.27 2021-22

Vitality Women’s FA Cup

There will be a strong looking semi final line up in
the Vitality Women’s FA Cup after the weekend’s
four quarter final ties did not produce any
surprises in terms of results.
First in action on Friday night, Arsenal
played host to the last remaining team from the
FA Women’s Championship, Coventry Utd. The
Gunners - who are still challenging for a possible
three trophies - were made to work hard by a well
organised Coventry side who frustated them on a
number of occasions until the 38th minute, when Stina Blackstenius headed them in front
from a Nikita Parris cross. After the break, Beth Mead fired in the second moments after
coming on as a substitute and Parris then turned goalscorer, slotting home from close
range. Coventry continued to battle and were not disgraced on the night, but Arsenal were
to round off a 4-0 victory when Vivianne Miedema drove in a powerful strike from the edge
of the area.
Ipswich Town carried the flag for the FA Women’s National League and gave a
good account of themselves in going down 1-0 to West Ham Utd. The Hammers were in
no mood to be on the end of an upset though, and nearly took the lead on the half hour
when Lucy Parker rattled the bar. Three minutes later though, Lisa Evans opened the
scoring as she latched onto a through ball and slotted past Sarah Quantrill. West Ham
continued to control the match from this point against their valiant opponents and
although they were unable to add to their goal tally, they were able to see the game out
without any major scares and book their place in the last four for the second time.
Manchester City took on Everton in a repeat of the Final from two seasons ago
at the Academy Stadium and eased their way into the semi finals once again with a 4-0
victory. City carried the game forward in the early stages, going close when a deflected shot
from Lucy Bronze struck the post, but ten minutes before half time, they went in front
when Lauren Hemp scored from close range. Hemp was to add a second early in the
second half when she flicked home at the near post from a corner, and Caroline Weir made
it three on the hour with a powerful 25-yard strike. Ellen White wrapped up the win when
she scored the final goal in injury time.
Holders Chelsea are in the semi finals once again after they defeated
Birmingham City 5-0. Birmingham defended stoutly under Chelsea pressure during the
first half but their resistance was broken moments before the half time whistle, when
Magdalena Eriksson headed Chelsea in front from a free kick. Chelsea took a firm grip on
the tie shortly before the hour when Drew Spence drilled in the second and Spence turned
provider for the third, her back heel setting up Beth England to score. Niamh Charles
extended her side’s lead three minutes later and England completed the scoring with her
second.
The draw for the semi finals has pitched Arsenal against Chelsea, whilst West Ham
Utd will host Manchester City in the other tie. The details of the dates and kick off dates
will be confirmed in due course.
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Issue no. 27 - 24 March 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk