Chelsea Ladies were in action today in the semi-final of the FA Cup. They took on Manchester City in a home tie at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.
It was Chelsea who ran out winners thanks to a Fran Kirby brace. The England striker got the Blues off to a flying start, netting the first goal just 5 minutes in. It was a poor headed clearance by the City and England captain Steph Houghton that gave Kirby the chance to fire past Ellie Roebuck in the City goal.
Never in doubt, @FranKirby ! 👌 #CLFC pic.twitter.com/RUaxrFESE3
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 15, 2018
Both sides have had a hectic run of games. They are both still in the Women’s Champions League, reaching the semi-final stage, and international duties have added to the fixture congestion.
Despite going behind, it was City who dominated possession, however, they were unable to breakthrough a stoic Chelsea defence. Time and again City’s attempts were thwarted by before they were in sight of the goal. Their only real opportunities long range efforts.
Chelsea maintained the goal advantage going into the break and started the second half brightly. City worked their way into the ascendancy but again failed to trouble the scoreboard.
As City pushed for the elusive equaliser, they left themselves open at the back. It was again Kirby who caused the damage. She picked the ball up on the half way line, ran at the City defence, cut the ball across the defender with her right foot before slamming the ball home with her left. It was a magnificent goal.
With just 15 minutes left, all Chelsea had to do was hold for the victory that would see them take on Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium on the 5th May. It goes without saying that we’d like to send our congratulations to Emma Hayes side on getting to the final.
All smiles at Kingsmeadow! 😃 #CLFC pic.twitter.com/KYh9cAUm1Q
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 15, 2018
Next Sunday, sees the ladies play their Champions League semi-final clash with Wolfsburg. It will be a real nail-biter as the German side have eliminated Chelsea from the competition twice before.