Late Rachel Williams strike sends Manchester United through to FA Cup final
It marks a first appearance in the final for the Women’s Super League leaders.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rachel Williams’ 89th-minute winner sent Manchester United into the Women’s FA Cup final as they came from behind to beat Brighton 3-2.
Second-half goals from Leah Galton and Alessia Russo turned the game in United’s favour after Mary Earps’ own goal had put Brighton in front, only for Danielle Carter to level for Albion.
However, Williams held her nerve at the death to convert Katie Zelem’s pass and seal United’s place in their first Women’s FA Cup final.
Following a 4-0 victory over Brighton in the Women’s Super League earlier this month, table-topping United were heavy favourites going into the tie, but it was Albion who went in front after 36 minutes.
Veatriki Sarri raced down the left and sent in a cross which was palmed into her own goal by England goalkeeper Earps.
Galton equalised two minutes after the restart with a close-range finish and Russo completed the turnaround in the 71st minute, running on to a well-weighted pass from Zelem before rifling a shot into the top corner.
But Brighton refused to lie down and Carter’s persistence forced a mistake from Millie Turner which the forward capitalised on.
United piled on late pressure and it paid off when Zelem grabbed her second assist of the game to send Williams through one-on-one with the keeper and her cool finish settled the contest.