Women's FA Cup semi-finals: Chelsea Ladies 2-1 Manchester City Women (aet)
- Published
England striker Fran Kirby joined Chelsea from Reading in July 2015
Holders Chelsea reached the Women's FA Cup final with a last-gasp goal from Fran Kirby to earn an extra-time win over Manchester City.
City had deservedly gone ahead after the break when Scotland's Jane Ross poked in from close range.
But South Korea forward Ji So-Yun's curling free-kick helped the hosts force extra time.
Chelsea began to dominate before England striker Kirby snatched victory with a low finish in the 120th minute.
City had enjoyed the better of a poor first half but England captain Steph Houghton's curling free-kick was saved by Chelsea keeper Hedvig Lindahl.
The visitors had looked destined for their first ever final before Ji's direct free-kick from the edge of the box saved the hosts, followed by substitute Kirby's extra-time winner.
Chelsea will now face record 13-time winners Arsenal in the final at Wembley on Saturday 14 May.
Chelsea striker Fran Kirby:
"The goal shows the faith that [manager] Emma Hayes has in me after we went a goal down.
"You've a lot of responsibility coming on as a sub to try and change the game, and I tried to get on the ball and create things, so while I'm happy with the goal it was a team performance.
"If I'm able to come off the bench, great, but I want to be starting for this team and hopefully I can do that against Arsenal on Thursday.
"I was at Wembley last season but not able to play so it will be really nice to be involved with the squad this time and make a start, and anything can happen."
Manchester City captain Steph Houghton:
"We'll use this to kick our season on even further. We wanted to start the season quicker than we did last year and we focus on the next trophies.
"It's heartbreaking. We've got a squad of very ambitious players and I think we were the better team today and we try to play the right way.
"This club wants to play at the highest level and we want to play against the best teams. Getting a trophy this year is important. It's part of playing for this club."
Chelsea: Lindahl, Blundell, Bright, Flaherty, Davison, Carney (Kirby 76), Aluko, Ji, Rafferty (England 83), Chapman, Bailey (Spence 54).
Subs not used: Spencer, Borges.
Man City: Bardsley, Bronze, Stokes, Houghton, McManus, Scott, Asllani, Duggan (Stanway 87), Paris, Ross, Corboz (Beattie 91).
Subs not used: Hourihan, Tynan, Paul.
Referee: Sam Purkiss.
Attendance: 2,278.