WHAT HAPPENED
We booked our place in the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup on Wednesday night with a dramatic 2-1 win over Birmingham City.
Sari Van Veenendaal returned to the starting line-up and made a first-half penalty save, before Danielle Van de Donk and Vivianne Miedema scored the all-important goals.
Debutant Katrine Veje created the first chance of the evening after cutting inside from the right and firing wide, before Miedema fell just short of a dangerous delivery from Van de Donk.
The visitors posed little threat in the opening exchanges - but were awarded a penalty following a late tackle from Van de Donk on Lucy Quinn.
Aoife Mannion’s powerful effort looked destined for the bottom left corner, but Van Veenendaal produced a stunning diving save.
The opening 15 minutes of the second half were quiet, and on the hour mark the visitors punished us.
Dominique Bloodworth and Van Veenendaal failed to deal with a loose ball inside the box, and Lucy Quinn was there to fire home from close range.
The Blues looked like they were on their way to the semi-finals, but with one final push, we were able to pull off a late comeback with two goals from our Dutch stars.
With just over five minutes remaining Miedema picked out Van de Donk with a lofted pass, and our attacking midfielder leapt high inside the box to head the ball into the back of the net
The pressure continued deep into stoppage time and this time it was Miedema who provided the finishing touch. The 22-year-old raced behind the Blues defence, rounded the onrushing Hampton and coolly fired the ball over the line with just seconds remaining.
WHAT’S NEXT
Joe Montemurro’s side return to Women’s Super League action with a huge game against Chelsea Sunday, January 13.
The game will take place at Meadow Park with kick-off at 12.30pm (UK time)
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