Manchester City secured their spot in the FA Cup final after firing four goals past West Ham United at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The teams had met just two weeks prior in the Women’s Super League — a meeting that had seen the Sky Blues claim all three vital points in their mission to clinch a spot inside the top three.
Starting XIs
West Ham
Arnold; Parker, Flaherty (c), Fisk, Longhurst, Svitkova, Brynjarsdottir, Hasegawa, Yallop, Evans, Leon
Manchester City
Roebuck; Bronze, Kennedy, Greenwood, Stokes, Walsh, Coombs, Weir, Kelly, Hemp, White (c)
How it went
It was West Ham who initially enjoyed the brighter start to the game. With the Sky Blues struggling to find a route through, the Hammers were consistently applying pressure to their opponents.
However, despite the strong start from the host, it was City however who found the back of the net first. Keira Walsh’s shot ricocheted off the cross bar, directly into Ellen White’s path. The No.18’s diving header saw the ball flash out of Mackenzie Arnold’s reach to put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute.
The second goal came just 16 minutes later as the returning Chloe Kelly capitalised on a poor pass from the Hammers to double the visitors’ lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Lisa Evans offered the hosts a glimmer of hope as she clawed a goal back for her side. A defensive mix up allowed the No.7 to tap the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
The second half once again brought about a quick start from the Hammers. Despite this however, it was Manchester City who found the next goal.
Lauren Hemp’s solo run into the box in the 67th minute saw the No. 15 score her 50th club career goal. It was Hemp who scored City’s fourth and final goal of the afternoon as she found the back of the net from a late counter attack in the 92nd minute.
Final spot
City will now undoubtedly have one eye on the second semi-final between Arsenal and Chelsea. With the Sky Blues already securing one piece of silverware this season, Gareth Taylor’s side will be hoping to add the 2021/22 FA Cup to their trophy cabinet.
After claiming the trophy three times in the past six seasons, Man City will be looking forward to the FA Cup final at Wembley.
