Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Laura Hartley

Manchester United Women put to test against underdog in FA Cup but they make it through to semi-finals

Manchester United Women are through the semi-finals of the Women's FA Cup after knocking out lowest-ranked side Lewes with a 3-1 win.

United had an early scare in the opening six minutes as Lewes had the first chances of the game - but some excellent defending from Thorisdottir kept the underdogs from getting on the scoresheet first.

It was a lively atmosphere at a sold-out Dripping Pan, with the Lewes band playing non-stop, with the Match of the Day tune, but it wasn't going to deter United as Lewes put up a fight to keep them out from goal as much as possible in the first half.

Lewes were punished in the next few moments however as Russo put United ahead in the eighth minute on her 50th appearance for the Reds - but unfortunately, it was later credited to Cleverly as an own goal.

The first United goal put them in good stead to continue with possession in the first half with Mary Earps barely seeing any sight of the ball.

Lisa Naalsund's first start for United ended in heartbreak after her appearance was cut short at 25 minutes coming off due to injury.

Going in at half-time, United were left frustrated by Lewes who did well to not give them a chance at playing how they normally like to, and leaving the Reds' centre defenders to take shots from a distance.

Skinner's second-half substitution in Ella Toone saw his side begin to create a few more spaces, and Batlle creating some excellent chances, which paid off for her to set up Boe Risa scoring United's second.

Just 15 minutes before full-time, Lewes pulled one back through a lovely dink over Earps's head - which knowing her, she still won't be happy about letting in.

Another injury setback for United saw Thorisdottir go off in the second half, visibly upset with her injury.

Despite a well-fought battle from Lewes, Nikita Parris sealed it for United in the dying minutes of normal time and they are through to the semi-final of the Women's FA Cup.

NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book with a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.

Order now from: reachsportshop.com/https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.