Manchester United have qualified for the Vitality Women’s FA Cup final with a 3-2 victory over a plucky Brighton & Hove Albion side in a rollercoaster game at the Leigh Sports Village this evening.
A howler from Mary Earps handed the visitors a shock half-time lead but Manchester United responded and goals from Leah Galton and Alessia Russo early in the second half brought the game back into The Red Devils’ favour. Danielle Carter then capitalised on another Manchester United error to level the scores before Rachel Williams came off the bench to net the winner for the hosts late in the game.
Manchester United looked the more dangerous of the two sides early on. Ella Toone blazed an early effort over the bar before Lydia Williams pulled off a stunning save to deny Russo the opener. The Red Devils threatened again moments later through a Galton header but Williams managed to get her gloves to the ball.
After soaking up the pressure, Brighton & Hove Albion were handed a shock lead when Earps fumbled a Veatriki Sarri cross into her own net.
Manchester United tried to immediately respond and Russo fired a shot narrowly wide before Lucía García and Hayley Ladd stuck efforts straight at Williams.
The hosts came out full of energy after the interval and they soon levelled matters when Russo converted from an Ona Batlle cross.
Toone then thumped a shot narrowly over the bar before Earps superbly denied Julia Zigiotti Olme at the other end.
Manchester United took the lead when Brighton & Hove Albion switched off at the back and Russo fired the ball into the top corner of the net. Marc Skinner’s side’s lead didn’t last long though; substitute Carter slotted home an equaliser for the visitors after capitalising on some hesitant play from Millie Turner.
The game looked destined for extra-time, however, Manchester United substitute Williams struck the winning goal two minutes from the end to send her side to Wembley for the very first time.
Manchester United will take on either Aston Villa or Chelsea in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday 14 May.