Women’s FA Cup: Brighton Beat Arsenal 2-0 To Reach Semi-Finals

Brighton are through to the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals after upsetting 14-time winners Arsenal at Meadow Park.

Madison Haley put the Seagulls in front three minutes after half-time as she latched on to Fran Kirby’s through-ball and stretched to finish superbly into the top corner.

The lead was doubled on 63 minutes when Caitlin Hayes rose highest to meet Kirby’s corner and send a looping header past Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

Arsenal pushed to get back into the tie but the visitors held firm to reach the last four of the competition for the fourth time.

It was another disappointing exit for the Gunners, who last lifted the trophy in 2016.

They had come into the match in confident mood after booking their place in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday by beating Chelsea.

Manager Renee Slegers made six changes to the starting line-up, no doubt with those midweek exertions in mind, but it was Brighton who started stronger.

Jelena Cankovic nearly put Dario Vidosic’s side in front inside two minutes with a powerful drive that was tipped over the bar by Van Domselaar, before Charlie Rule had an effort cleared off the line from the resulting corner.

Arsenal gradually grew into the game and it took a brilliant save from Brighton keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to keep out Smilla Holmberg’s shot from point-blank range after half an hour.

Brighton weathered the storm and American striker Haley’s fine finish put them in front.

Rather than sit back, they pushed for a second with substitute Carla Camacho having a low shot saved.

Slegers turned to her bench just before the hour mark, sending on Alessia Russo, Olivia Smith and Frida Maanum.

But just five minutes later, Brighton doubled their lead as Hayes nodded in at the far post.

They defended solidly after that and were rarely troubled by a Gunners side that looked weary.

While Brighton are dreaming of a first FA Cup final, Wembley appearance and major trophy, Arsenal must regroup before focus switches to attempting to retain their Champions League title after the international break.