A Sam Kerr hat trick ensured Women’s FA Cup holders Chelsea passage to the fifth round after a 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.
Chelsea started strongly and took the lead on the half hour mark through Kerr. The Australia international followed swiftly with a second after the break. A stunning goal from Ceri Holland reduced the deficit before Kerr claimed her hat trick 11 minutes from time. Gemma Bonner’s late strike caused Emma Hayes’ side a scare but they held firm to extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches.
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Later, debutants Kathrine Kuhl and Victoria Pelova both scored as Arsenal powered their way to a 9-0 victory against Leeds United.
Caitlin Foord, Kim Little, Lina Hurtig, Jen Beattie, Stina Blackstenius and Michelle Agyeman were also on target as the WSL third-placed side recorded their biggest victory of the season.
Elsewhere, Rachel Daly scored four goals as Aston Villa recorded an 11-0 victory over third-tier AFC Fylde.
Daly wrapped up her hat trick on 51 minutes to score Villa’s seventh. She grabbed her fourth 20 minutes from time, and a late flurry of goals saw the WSL side secure entry to the fifth round.
After a resounding 6-0 win over Bristol City in the League Cup on Wednesday, last year’s runners-up Manchester City continued their show of force against Championship teams as they claimed a 7-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Khadija Shaw notched a hat-trick while Julie Blakstad scored twice with Chloe Kelly and Deyna Castellanos also on target.
Brighton & Hove Albion also recorded a 7-0 victory, sending West Brom out of the tournament while Tottenham Hotspur also advanced, beating London City Lionesses 5-0.
Nikita Parris’ brace helped Manchester United edge Sunderland 2-1 and West Ham United beat Wolves 2-0. WSL strugglers Leicester and Reading faced off with the latter prevailing on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
