Tottenham Hotspur orchestrated an SSE Women’s FA Cup surprise as they knocked out Brighton & Hove Albion on their way to reaching the fifth round.
Bianca Baptiste scored the game’s only goal in the second half, with Wendy Martin’s initial shot finding the striker in space, holding the composure to coolly slot home.
That proved to be the killer blow for the FA WSL 2 rookies, 15 minutes into the second half, with Spurs looking more than assured despite their FA Women’s Premier League status.
Alessia Russo boasted a couple of chances for Albion but it was the hosts who were to take the glory, potentially setting up a tie with an FA WSL 1 team come Monday’s draw.
They will be joined in the hat by West Bromwich Albion, who had two terrific first-half strikes to thank for their 2-1 victory over Leicester City.
The hosts took the lead through an audacious 30-yard lob from Leigh Dugmore while Abi Cottam’s thunderbolt ensured the advantage was to be doubled by the break.
But Leicester fought back, with Hayley James crashing home a half-volley from 40 yards, though it wasn’t enough to stop them exiting at the fourth-round stage.
Everton are also through after a dramatic penalty shootout, prevailing 4-3 on spot-kicks after their game with Durham finished 2-2 after extra-time.
Goals from Beth Hepple and Rebecca Salicki had given the hosts a 2-0 lead, but Everton’s never-say-die attitude prevailed as Michelle Hinnigan and Megan Finnigan had dragged the game back to parity.
But after both keepers made excellent saves, it fell to Sarah Wilson to keep Durham in the tie, but she skewed her effort over the bar.
Meanwhile a fierce Yorkshire derby went the way of the visitors as Doncaster Rovers Belles prevailed 1-0 at Sheffield FC.
Courtney Sweetman-Kirk was the game’s only goalscorer, slotting home a penalty after a handball was given against the hosts in the area.
Finally, Katy Moran scored what proved to be the winner against her former club as Aston Villa took the spoils at Coventry, while Millwall Lionesses ensured there was to be no shock in their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Ashlee Hincks’ long-range strike opened the scoring before Katie Lowder’s equaliser. Hincks notched her second following a debut goal for Ashley Cheatley – just a week after signing for the Lionesses.
The fifth round draw takes place on Monday morning as Arsenal begin their SSE Women's FA Cup defence and they will be joined in the hat by their FA WSL 1 rivals.
Tickets for The Final are already on sale and for the second season running, thanks to The FA’s partnership with SSE, all children can attend for free.
Adult tickets are priced £15 but this drops to just £7.50 when you book as a group of nine or more.
Tickets can be bought via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.
