A solitary Natalia De Pablos strike on 34 minutes separated the sides at Boreham Wood as the Gunners avenged last season’s final defeat to progress to the last four and halt the visitors’ incredible unbeaten run.
Although the Blues had chances to rescue the tie, Karen Bardsley was the busier of the two goalkeepers throughout and although she kept her side in the game, preventing De Pablos and others from extending the lead on a number of occasions, City were unable to find a response.
The clash, organised just days ago after the original date was postponed, allowed for little preparation time and with just two days to go before the FA Women’s Super League season finale – in which City could secure Champions League football and a potential league title – perhaps came at the wrong time for Nick Cushing’s side.
Despite the fixture pile-up, Cushing made just two changes from the side that thrashed Bristol Academy on Sunday, as Paula Radtke and Daphne Corboz replaced Jennifer Beattie and Natasha Harding.
Eager to claim an early foothold in the game, both sides started brightly. Danielle Carter tested Bardsley within a minute before Jade Bailey was forced to make a goalline clearance at the other end.
The City shot-stopper then denied De Pablos twice, while Jill Scott and Nikita Parris tried their luck from distance to no avail.
Parris then headed wide from a Corboz corner – and the Blues were punished minutes later as De Pablos broke the deadlock, controlling well and volleying into the back of the net after a fine team move.
Bardsley then thwarted the goalscorer again just before half-time, ensuring her side went into the break just a goal behind.
After the restart, Cushing opted to make changes, bringing on Harding and Natasha Flint. The Blues struggled to create though in the second period.
Izzy Christiansen and Harding both went close, drilling wide, but the rally came too late for the visitors, who couldn’t find the all-important equaliser to send the tie into extra-time.
There’s no time to dwell for Cushing’s side though, with all to play for in Sunday’s return to league action. Play your part in roaring City on. Ticket information can be found here.
