By Tony Leighton

Southern Division West Ham pulled off the surprise of the FA Women's Cup fourth round with a 2-1 win against Premier League side Bristol Academy.

Northern Division Leeds City Vixens gave Nottingham Forest a scare, but the top flight outfit came from two goals behind to win 3-2.

There were more comfortable wins for Everton and Blackburn Rovers, who both put six goals past lower league sides.

In the day's other fourth-round clash, Leeds Carnegie won 4-1 against Watford.

In the Premier League, meanwhile, second in the table Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to move within four points of leaders Sunderland - with six games in hand.

FA Women's Cup, fourth round
Bristol Academy 1-2 West Ham United

Two early headed goals by striker Nina Downham put the Hammers on the way to their unexpected success.

Grace McCatty reduced the arrears before half-time but, despite having the better of the second period, Bristol could not force an equaliser.

Nottingham Forest 3-2 Leeds City Vixens

Forest looked set for a shock defeat after Kirsty Robinson and Stacey Daniel gave the Vixens a two-goal lead with only fifteen minutes remaining.

But in an amazing turnaround the home side hit three goals in four minutes to snatch victory. Elly Gilliatt, Catherine Lawson (penalty) and Andi Bell were the scorers.

Everton 6-2 Queens Park Rangers

Jill Scott, Rachel Unitt, Michelle Hinnigan and Fara Williams were all on target as Everton swept into a four-goal lead by the 50th minute.

Cherrelle Albert pulled a goal back for the Southern Division side, but two late goals by Gwen Harries - either side of a Beth Curtis strike - completed Everton's big win.

Fulham 0-6 Blackburn Rovers

Five first half goals put Rovers en route to the most comprehensive of the day's fourth-round victories.

Nicky Twohig, Katie Anderton, Nat Preston, Katy Ward and Linda Shepherd killed off the Southern Division Cottagers. Amy Kane hit the final goal after the break.

Leeds Carnegie 4-1 Watford

England Under-23 striker Ellen White bagged a brace as Leeds moved into the fifth round with a comfortable victory.

After Sue Smith's early opener White scored either side of half-time, then Carla Cantrell wrapped up victory just before the hour.

Kate Owen's 65th minute goal was no more than consolation for the visitors as Leeds earned themselves a fifth round visit to Cup holders Arsenal.

Women's Premier League
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Goals by Gemma Davison and Danielle Carter gave the Gunners their ninth win in 10 League games as they stepped up their bid for a seventh successive title.

Former Arsenal striker Lianne Sanderson netted an 84th minute goal but it was too little, too late for fourth in the table Chelsea.

FA Women's Cup, fourth round (all delayed ties):
Birmingham City P-P Derby County
Bristol Academy 1-2 West Ham United
Colchester United 2-3 Barnet aet
Everton 6-2 Queens Park Rangers
Fulham 0-6 Blackburn Rovers
Leeds Carnegie 4-1 Watford
Nottingham Forest 3-2 Leeds City Vixens
Portsmouth 2-1 Luton Town
Reading 1-1 Aston Villa aet, Villa won 5-4 on penalties

Delayed third round ties
Cardiff City 1-2 Havant & Waterlooville
Liverpool 4-1 Preston North End
Liverpool Feds 1-0 Rochdale
Norwich City 5-3 MK Dons

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version