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Manchester United Women made their way into the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating a spirited Sunderland side 3-1.
United started well and Celin Bizet came close with a dipping volley that just drifted wide of the goal.
The fans at the Leigh Sports Village did not have long to wait as Leah Galton gave the Red Devils the lead after just seven minutes.
After some great work down the right by the busy Bizet, she beat the defender for skill and dinked in a delightful cross that was headed home by Galton to give Marc Skinner’s side the lead.
Galton almost returned the favour minutes later when it was her turn to maraud down the left wing and she picked out Bizet with a sublime cross, but the Norwegian’s effort landed on top of the net.
United kept up the pressure on their second division rivals and they got their reward in added time in the first half.
A drilled in a corner from Gabby George was expertly met by Maya Le Tissier whose header found the back of the net from close range. It was the perfect end to the half that put the holders in charge of their quarter final tie.
On 51 minutes, Hinata Miyazawa delivered a great ball into the box that Galton turned wide after stretching a little too much to reach the ball.
In a rare attack forward, Sunderland got themselves back into the match on 70 minutes.
Katy Watson made a good run down the right before crossing the ball into the box. Louise Griffiths attempted to control the ball along the ground but lost it. Fortunately for her, the attempted clearance by the United defence ricocheted back onto her legs and beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who was left helpless and conceded a rare goal.
United responded well though and Anna Sandberg’s lofted cross was well met by fellow substitute Rachel Williams but she could only head her effort right at the keeper, Demi Lambourne.
The Red Devils continued to push on to kill off the game and they were finally able to in the 91st minute in spite of some valiant resistance from their opponents.
United’s excellent wing play was on display all evening and a great driving run and cross from the dangerous Bizet was headed home by the unmarked Ella Toone, who drifted into the box unnoticed by the tiring Sunderland defenders.
The final whistle blew shortly after and the Red Devils were safely into the semi-final of the competition that they won last season and will be dreaming of doing the same this time around.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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