Girma’s extra-time winner sees Chelsea knock Manchester United out of FA Cup  | OneFootball

Naomi Girma’s extra-time winner saw Chelsea eliminate Manchester United from the FA Cup, securing a quarter-final place on their quest to retain their trophy.

This fifth round clash saw a repeat of last year’s Wembley final, a match where Chelsea dominated and won 3-0 to complete their domestic treble, but Sunday’s tie at Kingsmeadow was a much tighter affair.

Following second-half goals from Sam Kerr and Simi Awuju, the match was tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, but Girma’s 99th-minute goal saw them advance. 

The first half ended goalless, largely thanks to Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. She denied Alyssa Thompson early on with a diving save and produced a superb stop when Lauren James seemed certain to score just before the break. 

On 65 minutes, Jess Park came closest for the away side, striking the woodwork with an effort from outside the box that beat Hannah Hampton but not the post.

Chelsea finally broke through in the 78th minute when substitute Kerr, who had received a commemorative shirt for making 150 Blues appearances ahead of kick-off, found a way past Tullis-Joyce, seemingly putting her side on course for another triumph.

But United responded just three minutes later. From a cleverly worked free-kick, captain Maya Le Tissier delivered a dangerous ball into the area, with substitute Awujo finding the net to level the tie.

The only goal of extra time came nine minutes in, as Girma found the net following a Chelsea corner which, after Tullis-Joyce made an initial save, the USA defender smashed home on the rebound.

United, who had won only once in 17 previous meetings with Chelsea, showed more resilience than in last year’s final, but ultimately it was not enough.

Chelsea remain in the competition they have already won six times and are on track to retain their trophy. Arsenal and Manchester City remain in the competition too, however.