Manchester United progressed into the Adobe Women’s FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over a battling Sunderland side.
The holders were ahead in only the seventh minute, Leah Galton making herself space to meet a Celin Bizet cross with a stooping header into the bottom corner of the net.
Melvine Malard volleyed against the Championship side’s crossbar and Bizet shot inches over the top but the visitors kept it at 1-0 until first-half added time, in which Maya le Tissier headed home from a Gabby George corner.
Sunderland pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, Katy Watson’s ball into the box bringing an attempted clearance but it rebounded off the legs of Louise Griffiths and past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Rachel Williams soon had a chance to restore the two-goal advantage but Demi Lambourne made a great save.
United finally sealed their last-four place with a 91st-minute goal, Ella Toone heading in from another Bizet delivery.
The semi-final draw will be made live on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel following the conclusion of Sunday’s ties.
