Thank you for joining me for this quarter-final where Manchester United utterly dominated Brighton. The hosts hardly got a sniff of the ball and Mary Earps was only forced to make one or two saves. For a recap of all the action read the report below. We will be back for more Women’s FA Cup action tomorrow with defending champions Chelsea in action. Have a good evening!
Describe that performance with an emoji…@LilKeets will start: 🤌🤌#MUWomen || #WomensFACup pic.twitter.com/kYllP3OAYz
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) March 9, 2024
Nikita Parris is having such a good season, surely an England call-up will be coming soon.
The draw for the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals will take place on Tuesday. Manchester United have joined Leicester City in the pot. Tomorrow Everton play Chelsea and Tottenham compete against Manchester City.
Here is United’s fourth and final goal:
Lisa Naalsund’s goal means @ManUtdWomen start the second half as they finished the first ⚽️pic.twitter.com/kNwqzOZ6Gb
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 9, 2024
Full-time: Brighton 0-4 Manchester United
Manchester United have reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals after hitting Brighton for four away from home. Goals from Turner, Parris and Garcia put the visitors 3-0 up at half-time and Naalsund added a fourth to seal the victory/
90 + 5 min: Terland takes a shot but it’s well defended by United, where was this earlier on Brighton? At least they can take some promise from the closing stages.
90 + 3 min: Brighton are still pushing for a consolation here, Haley is fouled and wins a free kick. Haley has been a really bright introduction for Brighton, a positive for the team to take from this quarter. It’s bounded in and a shot it taken but it’s wide.
90 + 1 min: There will be six minutes of injury time, expected with all the stoppages in this half.
90 min: The ball is well delivered from Losada into the box and it’s directed at goal but a defender, I couldn’t see who among the crowded box, stuck a leg out to clear.
88 min: Brighton win a corner, can they score a consolation? Their fans have not stopped singing so it would be good to reward them with a goal.
86 min: Toone weaves a path and takes a shot but Thorisdottir heads clear. United come forward again and the ball falls to Toone again but she is ruled offside.
84 min: Evans pops in a pinpoint cross to Guerrero and her header hits the bar! United so close to a fifth. Also the page is having a technical issue and so don’t worry, it’s not 0-0 and United are leading 4-0.
82 min: United are running down the clock here, they have managed this game so well. Brighton have not had a window of hope to get back into the quarter-final.
80 min: Brighton also make a change with Lee on for Pinto. And here come United again, Garcia crosses but it’s deflected for yet another corner. It’s a good delivery and Williams gets a good touch to it but it’s cleared.
78 min: United make their first change as Williams, Evans and Guerrero for Parris, Malard and Riviere.
76 min: Parris has a long range shot and Baggaley tips it around the goal for another United corner. Zelem whips it in and Brighton make a bit of a hash of it, eventually seeing it clear.
75 min: Another United player is down with injury, this time Toone. She doesn’t require medical attention but she does limp away. Brighton win a free kick and it’s delivered well but United clear and counter. It’s crossed into the box but the resulting header is straight at Baggaley.
73 min: Parris makes a great run into the box but her shot is way wide. United are playing with Brighton like a cat with a mouse at the moment. A nice visual for you.
71 min: Brighton are being patient on the build-up and while they shouldn’t rush things, they need to speed up if they are to throw a punch in this match. Earps has made one or two saves but Baggaley’s goal has been peppered with chances.
69 min: It looks to be a head injury, the medics are being very thorough with the player. She gets back to her feet and I think she is okay to continue, really great to see.
67 min: Riviere is down with injury, she hasn’t moved since hitting the deck. Hopefully she is okay, she has only just returned from injury.
66 min: The hosts are playing a lot better in this half but they are still being outplayed in several areas. It’s been a difficult season for Brighton.
63 min: Brighton have some good build-up play and Le Tissier looks to foul on Haley in the box, Brighton want a penalty but it isn’t given.
61 min: Malard has been so good tonight, she deserves her own goal and she definitely has the time to do it!
GOAL! Brighton 0-4 Manchester United (Naalsund, 59')
United are in again! Malard with the assist.
57 min: This time Brighton clear quite easily. Brighton make changes with Carabali and Haley on for Kullberg and Sarri. Those are the first changes of the match, United yet to call upon their bench. Bundell was down with injury but she is okay to continue.
55 min: United win another corner, Zelem ops for a different tactic this time as they pass it back and it ends up all the way back with Earps – a slightly wasted opportunity there. They remain patient though and Malard has a good one-two but her shot is deflected out for another corner.
53 min: Brighton are being out-muscled particularly in the midfield. Garcia has really impressed once again, her work off the ball is almost as good as her skill on it.
51 min: Brighton need to score and quickly if they want a chance of remaining in the competition. They have not had a sniff of the ball so far in this second half, United are utterly dominant.
49 min: United win a corner and Zelem is over the ball. It’s well delivered but Losada clears.
47 min: The break has not effected the momentum with United the more relaxed on the ball. They get it into the area but the resulting shot is wide.
Back underway! Brighton 0-3 Manchester United
Can Brighton pull off a huge comeback? Or will United keep running away with it? We will soon find out.
What a season @lilkeets is having 👏#AdobeWomensFACup pic.twitter.com/NUx5HGvjV7
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 9, 2024
There are two quarters tomorrow with Everton taking on defending champions Chelsea and Tottenham host Manchester City.
The third of United’s goals this afternoon:
The Reds are running riot 🔥
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 9, 2024
Lucia Garcia taps in @ManUtdWomen's third of the first-half!#AdobeWomensFACup pic.twitter.com/bpt3ieE2rH
Half-time: Brighton 0-3 Manchester United
Well Manchester United have blown Brighton away. Turner, Parris and Garcia have hit Brighton for three and it seems likely they will score more in the second half.
Updated
45 + 4 min: Earps has made a save as Robinson took a long range shot at goal. That was Brighton’s best chance of the afternoon so far.
45 + 3 min: United look to add a fourth but Brighton manage to cut out the play initially. The visitors are now in possession.
GOAL! Brighton 0-3 Manchester United (Garcia, 45'_
Malard’s strike hit the post and Garcia has hit it home.
Updated
44 min: It feels as though United are running down the clock to half-time here, they are being really patient over the ball and aren’t forcing anything. They work the ball up the pitch and win a corner. It’s popped in by Zelem and Blundell has an effort but Baggaley makes a great save!
42 min: There’s been a bit of a change of pace to the game now, United happy to play in their own half as they take the sting out of Brighton’s growing momentum.
40 min: Brighton win a free kick after Garcia fouls, Parris continues to protest the referee that it shouldn’t been given but it stands. Losada pops it into the box but Earps collects easily.
38 min: Brighton have a lovely bit of play with the ball pinballing in the box but the hosts can’t pull the trigger and United clear.
36 min: Brighton work the ball into the box and Bremer takes a shot but it deflects out for a corner. It’s popped in but it has too much on it and Losada heads it out for a goal kick.
34 min: Zelem is over the corner ball again but as soon as it’s kicked the whistle is blown for a foul and the chance is gone. Brighton try to play out of the back but Baggaley’s pass hits the feet of Naalsund but she skies her effort. A big let off for Brighton.
32 min: Brighton give the ball away in a good position for United as they look to add a third goal. Blundell pops it in but Parris’ resulting shot hits the netting, the referee gives a United corner.
31 min: Parris is back to her feet and is okay to continue and we are back underway.
29 min: Malard protests as she thinks Bremer has handballed outside of the area but the referee doesn’t give anything and we play on. Parris is down for an injury off the ball and so there is a break in play.
27 min: It’s pinged in and Earps punches away, it does the job but Brighton are still in possession. United press Brighton though and they cough up the ball.
25 min: Le Tissier does well to read the play to cut out the ball as Brighton looked to attack. The hosts make a break shortly after though and get in the box, I think this is the first time they have had the ball in the area. They win a corner from it.
23 min: Brighton have some possession in United’s half but the visitors quickly recover the ball – this could be a long old afternoon for the hosts.
21 min: United have the ball in the box again but Brighton manage to clear it. If the hosts concede again the game could be done quite early on.
19 min: Parris once again finds the net, she has been seriously impressive this season. It was an easy finish and it feels out of reach for Brighton already.
GOAL! Brighton 0-2 Manchester United (Parris, 18')
Parris just can’t stop scoring!
Updated
17 min: United are all over Brighton at the moment, the hosts have not got near the goal let alone have a chance to score.
15 min: Blundell created a great chance, popping the ball into the area but it doesn’t connect with a teammate and the danger is clear for Brighton – for now. Baggaley is forced into a rushed clearance after Brighton’s defence play a risky back pass, a slight heart in mouth moment.
13 min: A really good tackle sees United’s attack stall but it is soon revving again. Zelem lays it off to Toone but Brighton are able to clear before the cross is put in.
11 min: For all of Brighton’s good early work, it is United who find themselves ahead. All they needed was one chance and they broke the deadlock. Brighton need to be the next to score, it’s not desperate times for the hosts yet but if they go 2-0 down the hill becomes a mountain to climb.
GOAL! Brighton 0-1 Manchester United (Turner, 8')
Turner heads home from a corner. United’s Garcia wins a corner and captain Zelem runs over to take it. She whips it into the box, it bounds around and Turner heads home.
Updated
8 min: A ball over the top has too much on it for United and it is out of play for a goal kick. United aren’t quite connecting at the moment but they are having much more possession.
6 min: United protest as there is a handball they win a free kick, they work it up into the box but Turner fouls and the chance is gone. A slightly slow start.
4 min: United have barely had a touch on the ball so far, the hosts definitely the team to start brighter (excuse the pun). L Garcia wins a free kick in United’s half as she is tripped but Brighton quickly win it back.
2 min: It’s been all Brighton early on as both teams settle into this quarter-final.
Kick-off! Brighton 0-0 Manchester United
And we are off.
Brighton are raring to go …
KO comes next. Come on Albion! 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/UTpls60HcH
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) March 9, 2024
Manchester United reached the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time last season where they faced Chelsea. The Blues won 1-0 that day. Can United reach it again this year? First team standing in the way is Brighton. Kick-off in 15 minutes.
Brighton’s interim manager Mikey Harris said: “Belief comes from within and the fact that we had six different goalscorers [against Bristol City] is massive. I think we’ve got goals throughout the team, we showed that on Sunday and I’m really hopeful that now, we will kick on in that regard.
“You know we want to entertain, we want to play attacking football, we want to score goals and hopefully, we can do that and concede a few less at the same time.”
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said: “It looks like a Brighton DNA – possession-based. I know they value that highly so they will press us with the ball. We have to be very clever in how we defend that and work hard. They are good.
“Watching their play against Bristol [City], you can see how they are developing and the way they want to play. I think we will have to be resolute. I think for both teams the pitch will play a part, both will have to adapt to that. It’s going to be a good game, and one we are not taking lightly by any means.”
Joe Pearson has emailed and said: “Since it’s just about lunchtime here in Florida, I decided to eat a piece of leftover steak in marsala sauce with some nice Italian bread and herbed olive oil.”
This sounds incredible Joe! I haven’t had any snacks yet, I might have to dig into some crisps soon. If you want to get in touch you can email me or message on X.
Leicester were without manager Willie Kirk as he is being investigated by the club for an alleged relationship with a player. Read the story:
Leicester have reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals for the first time. Have a read of the report:
Jutta Rantala scored twice as Leicester City beat Liverpool to secure a place in the Women's FA Cup semi-finals for the first time.
The Foxes were without manager Willie Kirk, who is currently being investigating over allegations of a relationship with one of his players. The assistant manager, Jennifer Foster, and first-team coach Stephen Kirby took charge on Saturday and oversaw a historic victory.
Finland midfielder Rantala smashed the ball into the bottom corner on the rebound after Janice Cayman had struck the post with a curling shot. Despite pressure from Liverpool before and after the goal, Leicester went in a goal up at the interval.
Liverpool, without a home win since mid-November, kept pushing but were punished for their profligacy as Rantala led a break downfield before crashing a shot in off the crossbar from the edge of the box.
'I said to the players before the game, if we execute what we need to and do it in the way we know we can we know we'll get the result we deserve – and we did,' Foster told the BBC.
'There were one or two moments where we lapsed in concentration and they almost capitalised but that was the wake-up call we needed and we shifted up a gear. I can't fault the players for everything they've done today – I thought they were fantastic.' Guardian sport
The team news is in!
Brighton: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Bergsvand, Losada, Sarri, Bremer, Zigiotti, Terland, Kullberg, Pinto, Robinson
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to take on @ManUtdWomen this evening in the @AdobeWFACup! 🏆
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) March 9, 2024
📲 https://t.co/1JRqX8gtVj // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3HcpH5zyhE
Jayde Riviere returns for Manchester United after recovering from injury.
Man Utd: Earps, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Malard, Zelem, Riviere, Naalsund, L Garcia, Turner, Parris.
Your United squad for our #WomensFACup quarter-final! 👊#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) March 9, 2024
Preamble
Hello and welcome back to the Women’s FA Cup. On the docket today is Brighton v Manchester United in the quarter-final and it is a crucial match for both clubs.
It is the only silverware both clubs can win this season. The Conti Cup final is being competed between Chelsea and Arsenal, the WSL title is out of reach for Brighton and Manchester United and they are both not in the Women’s Champions League.
United will be the favourites heading into the match but the beauty of the FA Cup could see an upset. Brighton are also coming off the back of a huge win in the WSL after they defeated Bristol City 7-3. The winning momentum could see them turn over United, who have had a disappointing season after pushing for the WSL title last campaign.
The team news will be released shortly and so stay tuned for updates.
