Women’s football round-up: Chelsea knock Palace out of FA Cup – Charlton win in Championship
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Chelsea ended Crystal Palace’s FA Cup run with a narrow 1-0 victory at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.
The Eagles were playing in the last eight for the first time in their history but a second-half strike by Lauren James secured Chelsea a 25th win in 27 games this season.
Sonia Bompastor’s Blues are on track to win a historic quadruple this season and are eight points clear at the top of the Super League.
Chelsea will host Liverpool in the next round, with Manchester City playing Manchester United in the other semi-final.
“We created a lot of chances from a lot of players and we probably could have done better,” Bompastor told BBC Sport.
“We’ve changed some players in the squad but things take time in football, so for us to be in this position [along with] all that we have achieved from the beginning of the season is a positive and gives us a lot of confidence.
“But we haven’t won anything yet so we must keep the right mindset and work hard to have trophies at the end of the season.”
Photo Keith Gillard
Chelsea had 27 shots compared to Palace’s two as Leif Smerud’s side defended valiantly during the 90 minutes.
“We played with our heart on our sleeve,” said Smerud.
“We’re in a difficult and challenging situation when it comes to injuries and everyone who got their chance today gave everything.
“To make it a real fight against a really good team was good to see. It makes me proud and makes me believe in what will happen next.
“We want to challenge ourselves to play against the best teams and go as far as we can in every competition.”
The Eagles are bottom of the Super League and four points from safety.
They host relegation rivals Aston Villa on Sunday, who are one place above the drop zone.
“I learned a lot today about the fight in the team,” added Smerud.’
“We had to work on our shape and do a lot of defensive work today.
“We need to get people back and ready to go again.
“Then we can look forward to a very interesting game on Sunday against Villa.”
Photo Keith Gillard
Chelsea captain Millie Bright has extended her contract until next summer, with the option of a further year.
The 31-year-old England defender is the Blues’ longest-serving player, having joined from Doncaster Belles in 2014, and was due to be a free agent this summer.
“Representing this club and continuing our journey together was never a question to me,” said Bright.
“This club is my home. Chelsea runs through me. The legacy continues.”
Charlton Athletic continued to keep the pressure on at the top of the Championship table after a 3-1 win over Blackburn.
Gracie Pearse, Jodie Hutton and Kayleigh Barton found the back of the net to secure three points for Karen Hills’ side.
The Addicks are unbeaten in their past six league outings and are four points behind league leaders Birmingham City.
They have five games left this season and head to Bristol City on Sunday.
AFC Wimbledon suffered a 3-0 defeat to promotion-chasing Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The Dons are mid-table with four games left to play in their first season in the FA Women’s National League South.
Millwall Lionesses were comprehensively seen off 7-0 by Fulham in the London & South East Regional Premier Division – a week after being thrashed 5-0 by the same opposition in the League Cup.
PICTURES: ALAMY AND KEITH GILLARD