Brighton and Hove Albion Women have booked their place in the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in their history after a dramatic 2-3 victory over Liverpool Women at St Helens Stadium.
Liverpool Women vs Brighton and Hove Albion Women Match Summary
It was a busy first half, with the Denise O’Sullivan heading home for Liverpool in the 11th minute. Ceri Holland delivered the corner which was punched away by Chiamaka Nnadozie but fell to the feet of the Liverpool attack. Holland delivered again and O’Sullivan placed her header past Nnadozie.
Liverpool doubled their lead in the 22nd minute through Beata Olsson. Holland on the right-hand side crossed the ball into the box and Brighton were unable to clear it which left Olsson with space to fire her shot into the net.
It took Brighton less than two minutes to half the deficit through left-back Manuela Vanegas. Jelena Cankovic’s corner was swung in and Cornelia Kapocs tried to clear it but that was met by Vanegas who hit it first time into the top right corner.
Momentum shifted in the second half, and Brighton found their feet and became incredibly dominant. Vanegas nearly saw Brighton take the lead with 20 minutes to play the ball fell to her feet and her attempt on goal was crucially deflected onto the crossbar by Fuka Nagano.
It was super sub Nadine Noordam who wrote herself into Brighton Women history in the 90+5th minute. Madison Haley won a free kick 30 yards out from goal and the skipper Maisie Symonds delivered it. The clearance from Liverpool found the feet of Noordam who hammered the ball into the top right corner, sending the Seagulls to Wembley.
Key tactical turning point
Brighton struggled in the first half to meet the pace of Liverpool’s press and ultimately fell two goals down. They fought incredibly well and ended the first half more positively.
The Albion came out in the second half the way they ended the first, hungry for the equaliser. The substitution of Nadine Noordam brough fresh legs into the midfield and then the winning goal.
Standout performances
Liverpool Women – Ceri Holland: Noted in our match preview as the player to watch for Liverpool, she delivered for the Reds. She was an important part of both Liverpool goals and creating most chances on the wing and from set-pieces.
Brighton and Hove Albion Women – Manuela Vanegas: Vanegas has been a bright spark for the Seagulls and impressed just as much in this game as she has most of the season. She scored Brighton’s first and created further attempts to grab the equaliser. She was also a crucial part of the back line, which prevented Liverpool from making many advancements towards goal in the second half.
What the result means
This win for Brighton means that for the first time in the club’s history they have reached an FA Cup final. It is a momentous occasion for the Seagulls who have made the semi-finals three times and suffered heartbreak each time. Nadine Noordam writes her name into Albion history, as her winning goal sent the Seagulls to Wembley.
Manager quotes
Brighton Women boss Dario Vidosic said he will be ‘extremely proud’ to lead his team out at Wembley. “It’s a huge and fantastic achievement, especially as it’s the first time in our history.”
“Going to the home of football is something special and a privilege we are going to enjoy. It’s tough to get there and we’re one of only two teams who will be playing in the final. So I’m extremely proud of the girls and to be leading the team out at Wembley.
“The scenes at the end were great, to see the joy on the faces of the fans. It was nice to take a step back and watch everyone celebrate.”
Liverpool Woman head coach Gareth Taylor said “We weren’t great second half. Nor was the referee; I don’t know if it’s a penalty or not but a lot of decisions went against us, a lot of inconsistency with yellow cards for us but not for Brighton. And those moments matter.
“I think we started the game really well. Conceded a poor goal obviously, from being 2-0 up.
“Brighton were better than us second half, they had numerous corners where we looked vulnerable and we concede from too many corners.”
