At a glance
- Brighton beat Liverpool 3-2
- Nadine Noordam scored stoppage-time winner
- Seagulls reach first Women’s FA Cup final
Brighton & Hove Albion reached their first Women’s FA Cup final after producing a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Liverpool at St Helens Stadium.
Dario Vidosic’s side looked in serious trouble after Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead through Denise O’Sullivan and Beata Olsson.
Olsson scored the second 10 minutes after O’Sullivan’s strike. However, the Seagulls didn’t stay quiet for long as Manuela Vanegas immediately pulled one back for the visitors.
Madison Haley then equalised after the break, and Nadine Noordam completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time.
Liverpool Punish Brighton in Frantic First Half
Brighton actually created the first clear opening of the game when Charlie Rule released Fran Kirby, but the forward’s attempted finish drifted wide after beating Jennifer Falk.
Liverpool responded strongly and soon took control of the scoreboard. Ceri Holland delivered from the left and O’Sullivan headed home in the 11th minute to give Gareth Taylor’s side the lead.
The Reds doubled their advantage 11 minutes later after Brighton failed to clear their lines. Olsson reacted quickly inside the area before firing past Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Regardless, the Seagulls’ response was immediate, with Vanegas striking inside the box. Liverpool failed to deal with a corner, and the Colombian footballer took advantage of the chaos.
The Reds still carried a threat before half-time, while Brighton also had their moments. The visitors were also gifted with a late chance for Kiko Seike, but Falk managed to keep it out.
Half-time: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton
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Brighton take control after the break
Liverpool almost restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. However, to the Reds’ dismay, Grace Fisk headed narrowly wide.
Regardless, Brighton returned with more attacking momentum. Kirby was close when her near-post effort hit the woodwork after a touch from Falk.
However, the equaliser eventually arrived in the 54th minute. Seike caused problems down the right and delivered towards the back post. Haley was in the right place and headed Brighton level.
From that point, the visitors looked the stronger side for long spells. Seike became increasingly influential as she ended the game with 12 touches in the opposition box and two shots on target.
Then Brighton found the decisive moment in the 95th minute. Noordam reacted to a loose ball inside the box after a free-kick situation and fired into the net to complete the comeback.
Full-time: Liverpool 2-3 Brighton
Brighton set up Man City final at Wembley
Brighton’s comeback marked one of the biggest moments in the club’s women’s history. After falling short in previous FA Cup semi-finals, the Seagulls finally found the grit to make their first final in history.
The final against Man City will be another major test. The Sky Blues have already won the league title after Brighton helped them with a draw against Arsenal.
The game is scheduled for 15:00 UK time at Wembley on Sunday, 31st May, with Vidosic’s side hoping to win the club’s first major women’s title.
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