Premier League

Player ratings as Red Devils advance to Women’s FA Cup semi-finals

Player ratings as Red Devils advance to Women's FA Cup semi-finals

Manchester United reached the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup for the first time after beating Lewes 3-1 at The Dripping Pan.

The WSL title hopefuls weren’t at their best on the south coast but managed to squeeze their way into the next round against the resilient Rooks of the Women’s Championship.

Lewes went ever so close to taking a shock lead with just six minutes on the clock. A low cross from Nat Johnson fell to Kirsty Barton in the six yard box, but Maria Thorisdottir managed to make a brilliant recovery challenge to deny what would have been a certain goal.

And the hosts were punished in the following moment as United took the lead. Ona Batlle put in a cross from deep as she made her way down the right, with Alessia Russo’s deft flick deflecting off of Rhian Cleverly and rolling past Sophie Whitehouse at the near post.

Despite that goal, United still looked void of confidence and creativity. Russo looked to double the lead with an audacious strike from distance, though this time Whitehouse was equal to her effort.

Marc Skinner brought on Ella Toone at half-time to bring fresh impetus into his side’s performance, and they immediately threatened to add to their lead after the restart. Batlle’s bouncing ball through the box was half-volleyed towards goal by Martha Thomas, with Whitehouse getting down low to deny her.

Toone was the next provider for Thomas – who was far more involved after switching to the left flank – but again Whitehouse was equal to her close-range effort.

Just after the hour mark, United were infuriated that they did not receive a penalty for a handball against Cleverly, who appeared to block the ball from heading towards goal with her arm.

The visitors doubled their advantage soon after, however. Another brilliant cross from Batlle was headed into the top corner by Vilde Boe Rise to silence the home crowd.

But those supporters were on their feet again when Emily Kraft pulled one back with under 20 minutes left to play. Mary Earps was caught in possession by Ellie Mason, and her strike partner found the top corner with an exquisite strike from the edge of the box.

United sought to restore their two-goal cushion with Russo releasing Batlle into the 18-yard box, but Whitehouse was quick off her line to block her shot.

Nikita Parris fired wide from point blank range on the counter in the last few minutes of regulation time, before taking matters into her own hands and dribbling all the way inside from the left flank and firing under…

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