Hemp relishing League Cup semi-final challenge | OneFootball

Lauren Hemp says City are ready for all challenges that lie in wait following our emphatic 5-1 Subway Women’s League Cup quarter-final win over West Ham.

Match Report

City seal League Cup semi-final spot with strong West Ham win

The England international scored our second in the showing of scintillating attacking football which booked our place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Andrée Jeglertz’s side’s victory over the Irons has set up a tantalising last-four tie with Chelsea at the Joie Stadium in January, with a place in Ashton Gate’s final on the line.

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And Hemp is relishing the chance to lock horns with Sonia Bompastor’s team who we met in last season’s final.

“[The win over West Ham was] really positive, obviously we scored quite a few goals,” she said.

“I thought we connected well, our passing was good at times and a bit sloppy in other cases which created chances for West Ham.

“In the end we got the deserved win, so I’m looking forward to the semi [final].

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“Its always exciting playing Chelsea and to be able to do that at home, hopefully we’ll get a good crowd.

“We’ll need to be at our best to beat them but were ready to take on anyone.”

By netting five against West Ham, City have entered the winter break having scored 45 goals across our 15 matches in all competitions so far in 2025/26.

Those phenomenal numbers have been shared across 14 players with Hemp plundering three in nine matches ahead of the pause in domestic action.

And the skilful forward says the competition for places and togetherness within the squad has resulted in the Blues’ outstanding displays this term.

She added: “I think we’ve got so many fantastic attacking players, but it also starts from the back as well.

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“I thought we kept the ball really well [against West Ham] and we crated a lot of chances and found the spaces.

“It’s been seen today and other games this season we have players who can come on who are ready to score as well. We’ve got lots of competition in the squad and helps us all improve.

“I really enjoyed it; I love getting on the ball and creating chances as much as I can. I was really pleased to do that today and contribute where I can.”