Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton through to semi-finals of Women’s FA Cup, Aston Villa dump out Man City

Manchester United progressed to the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup after they beat Championship side Lewes 3-1 at the Dripping Pan.

The win secured United a first trip to the semi-finals following a hard-fought win against the lowest-ranked side – sitting eighth in the Championship – left in the competition.

An own goal from Rhian Cleverly gave the visitors the lead inside the first 10 minutes. However, the Women’s Super League side had to wait until the 68th minute to double their advantage when Vilde Boe Risa headed home an Ona Batlle centre.

Emily Kraft cut the arrears five minutes later when she lifted an effort over Mary Earps, but Nikita Parris put the result beyond doubt with an 89th-minute finish from a tight angle.

United’s cross-town rivals, ManchesterCity, were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa after extra time at the Bescot Stadium.

Rachel Daly tapped in at the back post after a set-piece situation with 97 minutes on the clock to knock three-time winners City out of the competition.

Villa took the lead after captain Rachel Corsie’s header took a deflection on its way past Ellie Roebuck with just 20 minutes gone.

However, Deyna Castellanos cancelled that effort out before half time with a looping header following a marauding run from Lauren Hemp. With no further goals in regulation time, the match was decided in extra time.

Elsewhere, holders Chelsea beat Reading 3-1.

First-half efforts from Jess Carter and Maren Mjelde – a penalty – put Chelsea in control of the match.

Norway international Guro Reiten played a crucial role in both goals, assisting Carter for the first and winning the penalty for the second and she put gloss on an already polished performance when she added a third just six minutes into the second half.

Sanne Troelsgaard cut the arrears with 20 minutes to go but that strike turned out to be a consolation as Chelsea made the last four for the third season in a row.

Brighton beat BirminghamCity 2-0 at St Andrews.

Quick-fire goals from Poppy Pattinson – in the 28th minute – and Danielle Carter – in the 32nd minute – were enough for Brighton to seal a win against the side sat fifth in the Championship and their spot in the draw for the semi-finals. That draw will be made on Tuesday March 21 at 09:00.