Women’s FA Cup finalists decided after thrilling semi-finals

Photo: West Ham

West Ham and Manchester City will face each other in the Women’s FA Cup final after victories over Reading and Chelsea.

West Ham United Women reached the FA Cup final in dramatic fashion after beating Reading 4-3 on penalties. Reading took the lead through Rachel Furness’ header early in the second half, but Alisha Lehmann brought West Ham back on level terms eight minutes later.

Reading were by far the better side, but Fara Williams failed to convert a penalty and then missed a huge opportunity in stoppage time which saw the game go into extra time. The Royals were also denied two clear penalties which proved costly.

The two sides could not be separated in the next 30 minutes, with the match eventually decided on penalties. In sudden death, with the score at 3-3, West Ham’s Cho So-hyun held her nerve, after Jade Moore had her penalty saved by Anna Moorhouse, to send West Ham to Wembley. West Ham worked hard for their victory and should feel confident that anything is possible when they go up against Man City in the final.

The second semi-final was between Manchester City and Chelsea. Nikita Parris squandered the chance to put Man City in front when she had a clear sight at goal from a tight angle after Ann-Katrin Berger hesitated but she dragged her effort wide.

Fran Kirby and Erin Kirby both hit the woodwork in the space of three minutes with Chelsea having the better chances to win the match. Man City booked their place in the final in heart-breaking fashion

In the final minute of the match, Chelsea defender Magdalena Eriksson inadvertently put Demi Stokes’ cross into her own net to gift Man City a late winner against the run of play.

Manchester City will face West Ham in the final at Wembley on Saturday 4 May.