Abbey Joice scored twice as Sunderland marched into The FA Cup Fifth Round with a crushing 4-1 defeat of Watford at the Hetton Centre.
Gemma Wilson fired the hosts in front just nine minutes in before a second arrived shortly before the half hour as Beth Mead outsprinted Renee Hector as she ran on to Kelly McDougall’s through ball and finished powerfully into the top corner.
Just two minutes later Mead turned provider, threading a through ball for Joice to run on to and beat Burgess, despite the keeper getting a hand to it. Joice then added her second on the stroke of half-time, claiming the final touch after Mead turned Bass’ low pull-back goalwards.
Watford started the second-half brighter though and were rewarded with a consolation on 55 minutes as Kate Natkiel’s low 18-yard strike took a deflection on its way into the bottom corner.
Beth Mead of Sunderland in action for England U19s
Nicola Cousins’ goal in the second half of extra-time saw Cardiff City spring a surprise as they defeated London Bees 1-0.
And to compound the Bees’ troubles, Mallett was sent off just before the final whistle after a late tackle earned her a second yellow card.
Doncaster Rovers Belles eased through to the next round with a 4-1 win over Copsewood Coventry.
Bethany England scored either side of half-time for Belles and in between Leandra Little’s opener and Jessica Sigsworth’s final effort with Leah Williams scoring for Copsewood.
Zoe Ness fired home two long-range efforts within minutes of each other as Durham defeated Sheffield 3-1.
Midfielder Ness plundered home from distance twice after Durham responded perfectly to falling behind to Jodie Michalska’s effort at the start of the second half with Beth Hepple equalising.
It was Sheffield who started the better against FAWSL2 opposition and they could have gone in front early on when Michalska hit a free-kick just wide.
Despite a teasing cross from Durham midfielder Ness, Sheffield continued to dominate with Rebecca Lee testing Catherine Clough with an effort from distance.
Clough remained busy throughout the first half and pulled off some even better saves to deny Michalska and Lisa Giampalma.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first and the visitors soon took a deserved lead through Michalska who tapped in a teasing Lynn Goodman cross.
The goal sparked the hosts into life though and they equalised when Hepple fired home an impressive free-kick from fully 40 yards.
Two minutes later and Durham were in-front thanks another long range effort from Ness before she grabbed her second goal – again from distance – moments later.
Goals in extra-time from Fran Kirby and Helen Ward gave Reading a deserved win over Blackburn Rovers at Paddy Power Park.
The home side missed a string of chances and were also given a scare by a stubborn Rovers side, who even missed a second-half penalty through Rio Hardy that was saved by Reading goalkeeper Nicky Davies.
The draw for the Fifth Round will be made at Wembley Stadium on Monday.
