Super-sub Rachel Williams struck late on in a nail-biting contest as Manchester United edged out Brighton 3-2 to reach the Vitality Women’s FA Cup final.
Mary Earps’ own goal handed the Seagulls a surprise lead at half time, with Brighton good value for their goal advantage despite United having more clear chances.
Strikes from Leah Galton and Alessia Russo put the hosts in front, though Danielle Carter’s equaliser quickly restored parity to the contest.
But Williams, a winner of this competition with Birmingham 11 years ago, scored with a minute of normal time left to send her side to a first ever major final.
Underdogs Brighton had most of the ball early on with some threatening runs from Katie Robinson and Lee Geum-min.
The hosts soon settled into the contest and had the first real chance 11 minutes in, Ella Toone’s fierce strike flying over the bar.
Brighton ‘keeper Lydia Williams was called into action twice shortly before the half-hour mark, making a stunning save from Russo’s volley before later bundling Galton’s header behind for a corner.
But the Seagulls kept pressing and were rewarded when Veatriki Sarri’s cross was poorly palmed by Earps, who diverted the ball into her own net.
Russo and Lucia Garcia both had chances before half time to level, but could not convert with the visitors ahead at the break.
The hosts did not have to wait long to draw level though, Galton striking from six yards out just 50 seconds into the second half to make it 1-1.
Toone nearly put United in front a minute later, though once again saw a powerful strike fly just over the bar.
United controlled possession but struggled to create chances, and Brighton nearly made them pay with Earps’ superb save keeping out Julia Zigiotti’s long-range effort.
Marc Skinner’s side were unable to find a moment of quality until Russo received the ball after some strong build-up play, and fired into the back of the net in the 71st minute.
Yet Brighton were not cowed, and just four minutes later Carter drew them level as she got on the wrong side of Millie Turner and calmly slotted past Earps.
Both sides searched for a winner and it was ultimately the hosts who found one, Williams being fed the ball and calmly placing the ball into the back of the net to fire her side into the final.
