It wasn’t to be as Chelsea Ladies secured a 2-0 lead over Manchester City to progress into the finals of the FA Cup.
City fought hard throughout and created plenty of chances in the first half of the clash, but a Fran Kirby brace either side of half-time meant that Nick Cushing’s side wouldn’t be heading to Wembley on 5 May...
What happened
It was just minutes before Chelsea took an early lead through Kirby.
A long-ball from Magdalena Eriksson reached Kirby who sprinted towards Ellie Roebuck and slotted home four minutes into the clash. Kirby’s goal kicked City into immediate action and although Demi Stokes and Jen Beattie had their work cut out with the Chelsea forward – the defenders were able to keep her at bay for the remaining minutes of the first-half.
Beattie was tested twice in close succession by the home-side when Erin Cuthbert and Drew Spence fired bullet-like shots goalward but the Scottish defender was on hand to block both efforts.
City looked close to equalising through Nikita Parris on multiple occasions throughout the first-half, which included a superb curling shot towards the top corner of Hedvig Lindahl’s net, but the attempt skimmed just inches wide of the post.
Chelsea responded quickly to Parris’ hunger when Ellie Roebuck was called to action due to Erin Cuthbert’s drilled shot, but the young keeper calmly prevented it from entering the net.
Three minutes before the half-time whistle it was Parris – again – who looked likely to make it onto the scoresheet.
Jill Scott made her return to the pitch following a recent back injury by firing a perfectly pinpointed cross which prompted Parris to launch into the air to head past Lindahl.
The effort flew over the crossbar and was followed by the half-time whistle.
With an early lead, Emma Hayes’ squad returned to the pitch with increased confidence.
In response, Georgia Stanway inflicted one of her trademark shots from outside the box with the hope of replicating her stunning equaliser she scored against the Blues in February but it failed to unsettle Chelsea as Kirby almost immediately added her second of the afternoon.
The Chelsea striker collected the ball in City’s half and took it all the way before teasing the ball past Roebuck.
Cushing’s side fought hard and Wembley remained firmly in their sights throughout, but we weren’t able to prevent Kirby from taking her Chelsea side into the SSE Women’s FA Cup final.
Though we have fond memories in this competition, the Blues must now hand over the trophy to either Chelsea or Arsenal.
How we lined up
Ellie Roebuck took her place in goal with a back four of Abbie McManus, skipper Steph Houghton, Jen Beattie and Demi Stokes.
Keira Walsh shielded the defence and was joined by Jill Scott and Georgia Stanway in midfield.
Nadia Nadim and Nikita Parris flanked Izzy Christiansen up front.
What it means
Chelsea will head to Wembley to face Arsenal in the Women’s FA Cup final.
Up next
Nick Cushing’s side return to Women’s Super League action on Wednesday 18 April when we face Sunderland Ladies FC at the Academy Stadium, kick-off at 7pm.
Then we turn our attention to the Champions League when we face Lyon on Sunday 22 April.
