Manchester City Ladies cruised through to the FA Women’s Cup quarter final with a 3-1 win over Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Jill Scott wore the captain’s armband for City in place of the sidelined Stephanie Houghton, who was injured on international duty earlier this month.
WSL 2 side Doncaster Rovers Belles came into the game full of confidence having won their opening league match against Durham 3-0, and looked to cause a cup upset against City who are in the league above.
Belle’s manager Glen Harris made just one change to his side opting for Reanne Thomas ahead of Rhiannon Mills.
Despite City’s early pressure, it was the Belles who took the lead after just five minutes, Sophie Barker whipping in a fantastic corner for captain Leandra Little to head past Karen Bardsley.
It took the Sky Blues until the 32nd minute to get their equaliser despite an endless number of chances.
Jill Scott picked out debutant Nikita Parris, on loan from WSL 2 side Everton Ladies, who coolly curled her shot past Nicola Hobbs.
Rovers keeper Hobbs had plenty to do in the second half making save after save, to keep the Belles in the game.
But City got their just rewards in the 79th minute when Christiansen found Parris, who made no mistake in getting her second goal for her new club with a calm finish into the bottom corner.
The game was wrapped up in extra time, when substitute Toni Duggan latched onto a Jennifer Beattie long ball, and netted a composed finish to secure City’s place in the next round.
Nick Cushing’s Manchester City will now go on to face Birmingham City Ladies at home in the quarter finals.
