Manchester United are into the last four of the FA Cup after an absorbing 3-1 quarter-final win over Championship side Lewes.
An early own goal from Rhian Cleverly, initially credited to Alessia Russo, gave them a perfect start with Vilde Boe Risa's header doubling their lead. Second-tier Lewes gave a good account themselves and pushed the Women's Super League title challengers hard, reducing the deficit after a superb goal from Emily Kraft. United sealed the win late on, when substitute Nikita Parris scored for the third round running.
In the first quarter-final of the round, the Championship side twice went close in the opening minutes before Ona Battle's cross forced the opener, Cleverly inadvertently diverting the ball past Sophie Whitehouse who failed to cover her near post. It was a disjointed, at times scrappy affair, with Lewes failing to consistently work Mary Earps, but staying in the fight with a resolute defensive display.
Here are the big talking points as United advanced to the FA Cup last four.
Skinner shows cup respect
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has heavily rotated his team in the cup competitions this season. This led to United surviving a tough afternoon at Sunderland in round four, with the Championship side giving them a major scare before going down 2-1.
Although he still made changes for this one, this was a very strong United team, with captain Katie Zelem, Mary Earps, Ona Batlle and Russo all in from the off. And his decision paid off within just seven minutes.
Russo continued her superb form in front of goal after Batlle got down the right win and found the England forward at the near post, the ball eventually going in via Rhian Cleverly. Sophie Whitehouse could have done better, positioning herself in the middle rather than covering her near post, but Russo's finish was one of WSL class.
Once they got the lead, United had control of the tie and never relinquished it.
Lewes made to rue missing early chances
Lewes came into this on a run of four defeats in their last five league games, sitting a lowly eighth in the table. And although the cup run had brought some respite, they were yet to face a WSL side in the FA Cup this season.
Despite their below-par form, they weren't lacking any confidence in their maiden quarter-final. In-front of a raucous sell-out crowd, the Championship side started brightly, with the first two big chances of the game.
Had United's Maria Thorisdottir not made a superb block to deny Emily Kraft, they may have taken the lead. Only seconds later, Amelia Hazard fired just wide after United failed to clear the corner. If Lewes had taken an early lead, who knows how this could have panned out?
United made to work for breathing space
Despite dominating the second half, it took United time to put distance between them and their Championship opponents. Russo and Martha Thomas went close, while Batlle continued to cause problems down the right channel.
However, Lewes' defence continued to hold firm, Rebecca McKenna in particular producing an outstanding display. It wasn't until an excellent finish from Vilde Boe Risa that United got some breathing space. Ella Toone's half-time introduction led to United moving the ball quicker in attacks and she played an excellent ball wide to Batlle.
The Spanish full-back then provided a wonderful cross that gave Boe Risa the chance to power a header beyond Whitehouse. It was a goal United probably deserved for their improved second-half display.
Rare Earps error and gives Lewes hope
United appeared to be cruising to victory until Mary Earps was put under pressure superbly by forward Ellie Mason. Earps' clearance was deflected and the ball ran to Emily Kraft, who produced a superb curling strike that flew over the England No.1.
Earps has been outstanding this season, but this rare lapse in concentration gave Lewes a sniff that the tie was very much alive. The hosts just about deserved their moment for the performance, even if they had failed to unsettle United regularly. And it was certainly what the sold-out crowd deserved, the majority backing the hosts throughout with constant noise.
Naalsund debut ends prematurely
United fans would have also been excited to see Lisa Naalsund named in the starting XI for the first time since her arrival in January from FC Brann. Sadly, her debut lasted only 27 minutes.
The Norwegian midfielder went down with what looked like a hamstring tweak and although she tried to continue, United took no chances and replaced her with Hayley Ladd. It was unfair on Naalsund, who had shown some promising touches in the early minutes.
Hopefully, the injury doesn't prove too serious and she features at Old Trafford next week. With Thorisdottir also limping after she was substituted, Skinner may have a few injury headaches ahead of the game with West Ham next week.
United still on course for cup glory
Despite suffering a scare thanks to Kraft's superb goal, United did eventually restore their two-goal lead. Nikita Parris had missed a huge chance only minutes before when through one on one, only to fire wide.
But substitute Parris did kill the tie when producing a superb finish from a tight angle only moments later for her fourth goal in the cup this season. The forwards' goals have been a feature of this cup run and she'll be desperate to start in the semi-final.
The full-time whistle ensured United are the first team in the hat for Tuesday's draw. The FA Cup could provide a dream finish to what has been a superb season to date - with Skinner chasing what would be the club's first major trophy.
