Kerr shows way for Chelsea after difficult time
Sam Kerr has faced challenges this season following a 20-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Her appearances have been limited, primarily to cup matches, with only a few starts across all competitions. Although she did not score the decisive goal that secured Chelsea's progression to the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, Kerr's goal that put Chelsea ahead against Manchester United seemed inevitable. Within six minutes of entering the field, the Australian striker executed an instinctive finish that likely alleviated doubts about her ability to regain peak form.
“It’s been a bit tough with many things, like not getting the minutes she wanted,” Sonia Bompastor said. “It was also a bit difficult emotionally with the decisions that have been made. [Today] will have been great for her confidence and I know she will be ready for the business end of the season.”
Sophie Downey
Keeper Eligon does amateur Chats proud
Simone Eligon, goalkeeper for Chatham Town, recently cleared to return after a concussion, was the standout player for the lower-league side despite their 8-0 defeat to Birmingham. Eligon, a Trinidad and Tobago international, made nine saves, striving to keep the full-time team at bay. She is a full-time youth worker and has previously played for Millwall Lionesses and Chelsea Under-21s.
“She hadn’t played a competitive game for three or four weeks. She only trained on Tuesday and Thursday. I’ve always known her capabilities. She’s an excellent keeper and probably deserves to be playing at a higher level,”said Chatham’s manager, Keith Boanas.
Tom Garry
Charlton breathe a sigh of relief
The WSL 2 leaders, Charlton, narrowly secured a victory over third-tier Oxford United, requiring second-half substitutions after making 10 changes to their starting lineup and struggling to break down their opponents. A penalty by Lucy Fitzgerald with under 15 minutes remaining ensured the professional side's progression, aided by Oxford’s Grace Palmer receiving a red card. This result means no clubs outside the top 14 tiers of the pyramid remain in the quarter-finals, with only promotion-chasing Charlton and Birmingham representing lower-ranked teams. The cup has seen no major upsets this season.
TG
Resurgence continues for revamped Liverpool
Liverpool appear transformed following their January recruitment drive, recording their fourth win in six games across all competitions by eliminating local rivals Everton from the Cup. Last season’s semi-finalists had struggled, positioned at the bottom of the WSL table without a league win before the new year. Denise O’Sullivan, one of six January signings, played a key role in midfield dominance during Sunday’s 2-1 victory at St Helens. Liverpool registered eight shots on target in this single match, surpassing their total for all December games combined.
TG
Little is more as Arsenal progress
Kim Little continued to demonstrate her enduring quality by leading Arsenal to a 3-0 victory over Bristol City. Little opened the scoring with a close-range finish into the top-left corner, marking her second goal in as many FA Cup appearances this season and third goal contribution overall. This came shortly after reaching a milestone of 400 appearances for Arsenal. Having established herself as a club legend last season, Little remains a vital presence at 35 years old, anchoring midfield as Arsenal pursue further trophies.
“It’s the consistency of small good actions and behaviours both on and off the pitch, which has been on a really high level. And then I think whatever the circumstances, whatever the conditions, and with the quality that we have, we can win games with that foundation. So that’s been amazing,”said Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers.
Emillia Hawkins
Hemp and Beney’s partnership steals the show
Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals with a commanding 4-0 win over Sheffield United. Lauren Hemp and Iman Beney were instrumental at the Joie Stadium, both excelling on the wings. Hemp assisted Beney twice for identical goals, both right-footed shots into the bottom corner. Their use of width caused significant problems for the Blades defense within the first 15 minutes.
“She’s on such a good level,”said Andrée Jeglertz of Hemp.
“She’s been performing well for us ever since she came back from injury.”
City’s dominance on the wings was decisive, with the manager adding,
“We have great players who play on the wings. Iman is coming in and doing it in a very good way.”
Renuka Odedra
Kirby’s return gives Brighton cutting edge
Fran Kirby marked her return from injury by quickly demonstrating her value to Brighton. The former England international, absent since mid-January, scored within six minutes and later assisted Kiko Seike as Brighton secured a 2-1 win at West Ham. Beyond her direct contributions, Kirby’s presence enhanced Brighton’s attacking fluency, enabling them to control the early stages and establish a two-goal lead.
“The team stood up to the challenge and deserve to be in the next round,”said head coach Dario Vidosic. Kirby’s fitness appears crucial for Brighton’s prospects in the competition’s later stages.
Réshma Rao
