Everton must rewrite history if they are to beat Chelsea and reach FA Cup semis

Everton face the challenge of knocking Chelsea out of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup prior to the semi-final stage for the first time in seven years when the pair meet at Goodison Park next weekend.

Not since Lincoln Ladies defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the fifth round in 2013 have The Blues failed to qualify for the semi-finals and that trend must change if Everton are to reach the last four themselves.

The South West Londoners’ record in the competition in recent years is a strong one. Chelsea have been victorious in three of their last six semi-final ties while they have lifted the famous trophy on two occasions, in 2015 and 2018. Next weekend’s opponents Everton lifted the Women’s FA Cup in 2010 while they last made the final in 2014 when they were defeated by Arsenal.

Chelsea defeated Everton when the two clubs last met in the Women’s FA Cup at the fourth round stage in 2018/2019. Drew Spence and Hannah Blundell were both on target for The Blues as they won 2-0 at The Pure Stadium in Southport.

Next weekend will again see Chelsea go into a meeting with Everton as the hot favourites to progress but their proud run must come to an end at some point. This is a very different Everton side this season, packed full of quality talent and with two wins out of two so far this season, they can be a match for anyone on their day.

About The Author

Daniel Pentland

I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018.

I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.

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