READING FC Women knocked Manchester United Women out of the SSE Women’s FA Cup to earn a home semi-final tie against West Ham United.
Royals secured their place in the last four thanks to substitute Rakel Hönnudóttir’s 120th-minute winner in yesterday’s pulsating 3-2 victory in the quarter final at Adams Park.
Kelly Chambers’ side will now host the Hammers at the same venue on Sunday, April 14, while Chelsea and Manchester City will contest the other semi final.
Women’s Super League One side Reading were favourites to see off a United side from the division below, but found the visitors in stubborn mood on the day.
Nevertheless, Royals arguably should have put the clash to bed within normal time after Brooke Chaplen and Remi Allen both spurned gilt-edged chances to wrap it up before the dramatic finish at the end of extra time.
What a feeling 🔵⚪️#URZ pic.twitter.com/tHfp6odyuQ
— Reading FC Women (@ReadingFCWomen) March 17, 2019
There was no separating the sides during normal time with the score still goalless after 90 minutes.
Incredibly, the first goal of the game did not arrive until the 98th minute when Maz Pacheco tripped United’s Lauren James, allowing Alex Greenwood to beat Grace Maloney from the spot.
The visitors’ lead lasted barely two minutes as Allen atoned for her earlier miss by making it 1-1.
Royals, though, went behind again in the 107th minute when Natasha Harding could only divert a Jess Sigworth cross into her own net.
However, Reading hit back instantly for a second time, with Rachel Furness tapping in from Allen’s flick-on just one minute later for 2-2.
Wow, what a game @ReadingFCWomen beating Man U. 3-2 with last kick in ET. @WargraveWGFC ball girls got hailed on, but had a great day thanks to #RoyalsSisterClub and got to meet some players after too. Awesome, thanks! @MazPacheco @remi_allen pic.twitter.com/HvZpXkCV0c
— Tim Townley (@TimTownley2) March 17, 2019
Royals’ luck appeared to be out as the end of extra time approached when a Fara Williams corner flew straight over Siobhan Chamberlain and into the net – only for referee Will Finnie to rule it out for obstruction on the United keeper.
But Royals refused to accept the grim reality of a penalty shootout and gambled on snatching a late winner.
The tactic paid off as, with seconds remaining, Chamberlain failed to hold on to a Williams free kick and Hönnudóttir was on hand to poke home the loose ball for a nailbiting victory.
Chambers admitted: “My heart was pounding, but to win the game the way we did, showing the belief and passion to keep going, was absolutely fantastic.
“I believe we controlled the game from start to finish, and we created some great chances in the 90 minutes but we just couldn’t put them away. We had a really positive chat at the end of normal time about staying calm and we did that, certainly in front of goal.
“We’ve shown we can match anyone on our day, and whatever gets thrown at us in the semis, we’ll have to stand-up and deliver, as we’ve shown in this competition so far.
“It will be one to enjoy and with a fabulous incentive of playing in an FA Cup final at the end of it.”
Morning #Royals 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/7RmwocinVX
— Reading FC Women (@ReadingFCWomen) March 18, 2019
United head coach Casey Stoney said: “We’re bitterly disappointed that we’ve gone in front twice then lost in the last minute, the players are gutted.”
Reading: Moloney, Pacheco (Bailey 120), Potter, Bartrip, Harding, Moore, Allen, Furness, Williams, Chaplen (Hönnudóttir 81), Bruton. Subs not used: Laws, Pearce, Farrow, Bailey, Estcourt, Howard. Booked: Bruton (70), Furness (95), Moore (119), Pacheco (120).
Manchester United: Chamberlain, Greenwood, M.Turner, A.Turner, Harris, Toone (Smith 71), Zelem, Green, Galton, Sigsworth, Hanson (James 46). Subs not used: Ramsey, Palmer, Devlin, Arnot. Booked: Turner (54), James (101).
Referee: Will Finnie.
Attendance: 951.
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