Man Utd 3-2 Brighton: Rachel Williams' late winner earns trip to Wembley

Manchester United scored a dramatic late winner to book their place at Wembley for a first women’s FA Cup final in their history.

United, who re-formed their women’s team in 2018, had only ever made it as far as the quarter-finals before this season but will now face Aston Villa or Chelsea in the final on May 14.

Rachel Williams won it in the 88th minute after Brighton had led 1-0 at half-time. Leah Galton levelled 48 seconds after the restart before Alessia Russo put United in front with 20 minutes to go.

Brighton found a way back through substitute Danielle Carter as extra-time loomed but Williams, who had been introduced in place of Russo in the 78th minute, won it with a fine finish two minutes from time.

The Seagulls, who are bottom of the Women’s Super League, were the better side in the first half and found themselves deservedly ahead through a goalkeeping howler from Mary Earps.

Veatriki Sarri drove from the left and sent in what should have been a routine cross for United’s No 1 to collect, but Earps got it all wrong and ended up parrying the ball into her own net.

United were sent out early ahead of the second half starting and had clearly been given some stern words from their manager because it took them just 48 seconds to find an equaliser after the restart.

Ona Battle’s driving run and cross picked out Galton, who fired in a first-time finish at the near post.

Just when it seemed United were becoming frustrated once again, a moment of magic from their top scorer saw them move ahead in the 71st minute.

Katie Zelem’s flicked pass found Russo, who fired an emphatic shot into the roof of the net from just inside the box.

Their lead lasted just three minutes as another defensive calamity gifted the visitors an eqauliser. Millie Turner played the ball into the path of substitute Carter, who kept her cool to slide a finish past Earps.

But there was still another twist to come as United found a winner in the 88th minute. Zelem was involved again as her pass picked out Williams, who raced through on goal to fire into the back of the net.