Liverpool FC defeat Arsenal, reach Women’s FA Cup semis

Liverpool FC Women produced an impressive battling display to earn a 1-0 win over Arsenal and a place in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.

A goal in the 78th minute at Meadow Park on Sunday sent the Reds through, with Sophie Roman Haug’s volley striking the post before finding the back of the net via the dive of goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

The opening exchanges passed without major incident, with neither team working much in the way of action in the final third.

Olivia Smith was proving a constant threat for Liverpool down the right flank, seeing several dangerous crosses into the box unable to find a teammate.

Goalkeeper Rachael Laws – who was making her 100th appearance for the club – was relatively untroubled throughout the opening 45 minutes.

And it was the Reds who saw the two best openings of the half ahead of the half-time break, with Smith first delivering low again, leaving Ceri Holland’s effort to be blocked behind.

Roman Haug then won the ball back high up the pitch to work a chance for herself, though the striker lost her footing at the crucial moment, leading to a tame effort at goal from a tight angle.

Arsenal began the second half on the front foot and Alessia Russo threatened with a dangerous shot at goal from the edge of the box.

At the opposite end, Roman Haug again pounced on loose play at the back from the Gunners, blocking goalkeeper Van Domselaar’s clearance in the six-yard box.

However, she was again unable to capitalise on the good play as the stopper recovered to halt her resulting effort.

Marie Höbinger also saw a driven shot from outside the box saved after good hold-up play from Cornelia Kapocs.

In response, Stephanie Catley volleyed inches wide of the Liverpool goal following a corner delivery.

With 12 minutes remaining in the tie, though, the Reds broke the deadlock.

Höbinger clipped a ball into Roman Haug, who controlled and turned inside the area to unleash a strike at goal.

Her volley cannoned off the post, but found the net via the back of the diving Van Domselaar to earn the slender advantage.

Arsenal attempted to muster a leveller in the latter stages but were held at arm’s length by Liverpool, who defended resolutely in the final minutes to progress.

*Next Match:

The Reds will host Manchester United at Anfield in Barclays Women’s Super League action next Friday (March 14), 7.15pm GMT kick-off.

Tickets are available here.

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