As the two 2017 finalists locked horns, the duo struck, after Nadia Nadim’s strike had been cancelled out by Ellen White in normal time.
The victory extended the domestic treble holders’ unbeaten run, whilst maintaining their defence of England’s most prestigious cup tournament and assault on all four competitions.
this week’s trio of games as ‘potentially season-defining’ and it was fitting she should be the one to prove the difference in a competition which heralded what she describes as the best day of her life back in May at Wembley Stadium.
The opening 45 minutes proved a tight affair of few chances.
Stand-in captain Jill Scott created the game’s first real chance but skewed wide, before a slice of good fortune – and quick reactions – handed the visitors the lead.
Kerys Harrop’s attempt to clear Izzy Christiansen’s free-kick proved unsuccessful, as the Birmingham skipper’s clearance almost heralded an own-goal. Ann-Katrin Berger saved but the ball fell kindly into the path of the razor sharp Nadim, who smashed home her third City goal.
Melissa Lawley was then unfortunate not to score against her former club, as Berger was equal to her powerful effort, while ’ strike proved too tame to trouble the hosts’ shot-stopper.
At the other end, White headed just wide and Jen Beattie coolly dispossessed Emma Follis at the crucial moment as the home side built a spell of pressure.
It paid dividends on 37 minutes, as White latched onto Charlie Wellings’ through-ball, rounded Ellie Roebuck and slotted in.
Buoyed by their leveller, Birmingham flew out of the blocks after the restart. Rachel Williams proved a major threat, firing just wide of the top corner before opting to cross rather than shoot, having been played through by White.
City then had claims for a penalty waved away as Scott went down in the penalty area but referee Wayne Cartmel waved away the protests and instead booked the England midfielder for a dive.
Substitute Claire Emsie then forced Berger into two fine saves, while Follis spurned the chance to put the hosts ahead late on by dragging her effort wide.
Unable to be separated in normal time, the two sides headed into extra-time – just as they had done in the 2016 Continental Tyres Cup final.
Seven minutes in, came the decisive moment as Stanway collected the ball inside the penalty area cut inside and smashed home her 15th goal in City colours.
The youngster also had an attempt cleared off the line by Jess Carter before Roebuck produced an excellent stop at the other end to push Wellings’ strike onto the post.
Birmingham pressed in a bid to force the tie to penalties. Roebuck was called into action again to thwart White’s header before Emslie wrapped up the win with a glorious curling effort into the top corner to seal a thrilling win and secure progression to the last eight.
How we lined up…
Cushing made two changes to the side that triumphed 4-0 over Liverpool last weekend, as Scott returned from injury and Lawley replaced Emslie.
Roebuck took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of Demi Stokes, Beattie, Mie Jans and Abbie McManus and
Christiansen and Scott occupied the midfield with Lawley and Parris operating on the wings. Nadim led the line upfront.
What it means…
City will face Sunderland Ladies away in the next round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup, with the game to be played on Sunday 18 March - kick-off time TBC.
What’s next…
Cushing’s side return to Solihull to face Birmingham in the Super League on Wednesday 21 February (7:45pm) before hosting Chelsea at the Academy Stadium on Saturday 24 February (12:30pm).
Tickets for the weekend’s home clash are available online via tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
