Tottenham Hotspur upset three-time winners Manchester City on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Mary Fowler’s early strike looked to have earned the visitors safe passage but Beth England levelled in the last minute of normal time.
After a cagey period of extra time, Rebecca Spencer saved City’s first two spot-kicks and Amy-Jane Turner held her nerve as Spurs won the shootout 4-3.
Simply. Iconic. 🤩
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 10, 2024
An incredible stop from Becky Spencer for @SpursWomen #AdobeWomensFACup pic.twitter.com/NmgHGNCnX8
Chelsea, who are still alive in all four major competitions, edged out Everton 1-0 to join Manchester United and Leicester City in the final four, with semi-final ties to be played on 14 April.
City made the perfect start when, on the six minute mark, Khadija Shaw teed up Fowler whose deflected effort looped over Spencer and into the back of the net.
The visitors carved out plenty of chances to add to their lead and sharpshooter Shaw somehow nodded over from close range in the second half.
But Shaw went off injured shortly after and Spurs levelled at the death when England capitalised on a defensive mix-up, forcing extra time.
Late drama as @Bethany_Eng15 equalises!pic.twitter.com/Y4euC2Wice
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 10, 2024
Penalties ensued and Spencer made fine saves from Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly to give her side a crucial shootout advantage; Turner stroking home from 12 yards to spark ecstasy at Brisbane Road.
Earlier, Chelsea edged out Everton 1-0 as they bid to win the competition for the fourth time in a row.
Substitute Catarina Macario’s second-half strike settled a closely-fought quarter-final in which Everton had plenty of chances to cause an upset.
Instant impact ⚡️@catarinamacario bags minutes after entering the field for @ChelseaFCW 🔵#AdobeWomensFACup pic.twitter.com/7F7Sa4pjz2
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 10, 2024
Chelsea, showing six changes from the side that reached the League Cup final midweek, came within a whisker of the lead on six minutes when Nathalie Bjorn’s header hit the bar.
The hosts have twice been beaten 3-0 by Chelsea in the league this season but held their own and hit the woodwork themselves through Elise Stevenik’s free-kick.
But the holders struck the eventual winner when, three minutes after her introduction, Macario steered home a cutback.
