Comebacks, an upset and plenty of drama were on display in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday as 16 teams progressed to the fifth round.
Robert Vilahamn’s Tottenham were pushed all the way at Brisbane Road when they found themselves 2-0 behind against a spirited Sheffield United. A strong response was required and Spurs mounted an impressive comeback to claw themselves back in to the tie. A 96th-minute chip from Rosella Ayane eventually saw them progress as 3-2 winners in the most dramatic of circumstances.
For almost 70 minutes it had looked as if the Blades were going to create the shock of the round. It has been a difficult season for the Championship side. This game marked Jonathan Morgan’s return after an investigation into a formal complaint made about him in the aftermath of the death of Maddy Cusack. He was cleared by the club last week to make his first appearance in the dugout in four months. They took an early lead through Sophie Haywood and Jess Sigsworth then doubled their advantage.
They could not, however, withstand the attacking strength that Vilahamn has at his disposal. Bethany England got herself back in among the goals for the first time since hip surgery after the World Cup. The Lionesses striker scored twice in 11 minutes to draw her side level before Ayane’s last-gasp winner.
On the other side of London, Chelsea were pushed all the way by a resilient West Ham as they began to adjust to life without Sam Kerr after the Australian’s anterior cruciate ligament injury. The holders required extra time to open a gap over their London rivals, eventually coming away with a 3-1 victory.
Rehanne Skinner’s side have made moves in the winter transfer window and two of their recruits – Katrina Gorry and Shelina Zadorsky – went straight into the starting lineup. Clearly rejuvenated, they took a shock lead in the first half with what can only be described as classic route one football. The goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold launched the ball upfield for Viviane Asseyi to break on to and convert.
Much of the discourse this week has been around how Chelsea can replace the irreplaceable Kerr. The USA forward Mia Fishel firmly stamped her claim to the role with a superbly taken half-volley on the turn to level. Emma Hayes’ team eventually wrapped up the tie early in extra time. Goals from Erin Cuthbert and then Sjoeke Nüsken made progress comfortable.
The third-tier club Wolves completed the upset of the round as they dumped out the Championship side Reading. The Royals are beset by financial troubles but Madison Perry made sure the afternoon started brightly when she fired them ahead.
Wolves have pushed for promotion to in recent years and put on a display of resolve to turn things around. Beth Merrick and an 87th-minute goal from Destiney Toussaint secured their win.
The two underdogs in the round endured tricky afternoons against higher-placed opponents. Fifth-tier Luton Town, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, hosted Brighton at Barton Rovers. The hosts were two goals down at half-time and fell away after the interval. Melissa Phillips’ side ran out 6-0 winners.
There was also plenty of anticipation around Portsmouth-based Moneyfields as they made history at Princes Park. It was the first time in their short existence (they were founded in 2017) that the club had reached this stage of the competition and they were rewarded with a test against the Championship’s London City Lionesses. Karl Watson’s team put in a spirited display but were broken down in the second half, losing 4-0.
Elsewhere, all the more established names progressed, while Nottingham Forest saw off Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City edged past Burnley in extra time. The draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday.
