Liverpool needed extra-time to overcome a stubborn Charlton Athletic side in their Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-final at The Valley on Sunday.
The WSL side from Merseyside dominated the ball for large spells in the game, but struggled to break down their WSL2 hosts playing in front of their biggest crowd for a women’s game in 20 years. Goalless after 90 minutes, the game went to extra-time and the prospect of penalties was looming when the deadlock was finally broken with 5 minutes left on the clock.
The winning goal marked a fairytale return to action for 18 year-old Zara Shaw, who had only come on as a substitute in the 103rd minute after a year out recovering from an ACL injury. Shaw poked the ball home after a lengthy scramble in the Charlton box during which Liverpool twice hit the woodwork following Cornelia Kapocs’ corner.
Liverpool will now host Brighton & Hove Albion in the semi-final as they look to reach their first WFA Cup final in 30 years.
We were fortunate to have photographer Ian Middlebrook on hand to capture the action.
