Veerle Buurman’s stunning late strike sealed Chelsea’s place in the FA Cup semi-finals as the holders edged Tottenham 2-1 at Kingsmeadow.
The 19-year-old struck with a fierce effort that beat Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop in the 86th minute, ensuring Sonia Bompastor’s side still have a chance of rescuing a disappointing season.
Eveliina Summanen’s cross earlier deceived Hannah Hampton to get the visitors back on level terms seven minutes into the second half, after Sam Kerr’s header had put the Blues ahead five minutes before the interval.
Manchester City are also into the semi-finals after Khadija Shaw’s goal earned them a narrow 1-0 win away against Championship side Birmingham.
The goal came after only eight minutes. Iman Beney played a fine ball in behind and Shaw reacted quickest to slot past goalkeeper Lucy Thomas.
Thereafter the leaders of the second tier fought bravely to stay in the game, though it was City that came closest to scoring a second, Thomas brilliantly turning the ball against the bar in the second half from Yui Hasegawa’s stinging shot.
The two WSL giants will be joined in the last-four by Brighton following their shock win over Arsenal on Saturday, along with Liverpool who overcame Charlton in extra time.
PA