MY ACCOUNT
Rachel Williams’ 89th-minute winner sent Manchester United into the Women’s FA Cup final as they came from behind to beat Brighton 3-2.
Second-half goals from Leah Galton and Alessia Russo turned the game in United’s favour after Mary Earps’ own goal had put the Seagulls in front, only for Danielle Carter to level.
But Williams held her nerve at the death to convert Katie Zelem’s pass and seal her club’s place in their first FA Cup final.
Speaking at full-time, delighted forward Ella Toone had a message for the United faithful.
She said: “Buzzing with the big win in our semi-final.
“Thank you so much for your support. We’ll see you at Wembley.”
Following a 4-0 victory over Brighton in the Women’s Super League earlier this month, Marc Skinner’s table-topping United were heavy favourites going into the tie.
Yet it was the Seagulls who went in front after 36 minutes.
Veatriki Sarri raced down the left and sent in a cross that was palmed into her own goal by England goalkeeper Earps.
Galton equalised two minutes after the restart with a close-range finish and Russo completed the turnaround in the 71st minute, running on to a pass from Zelem before rifling a shot into the top corner.
But Brighton refused to lie down and Carter’s persistence forced a mistake from Millie Turner, which the forward capitalised on.
United piled on late pressure and it paid off when Zelem produced her second assist to send Williams through one-on-one with Lydia Williams and her cool finish settled the contest.
Skinner’s side will face Aston Villa or Chelsea in the Wembley showpiece on May 14.
