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Foord and Raso shine in Women's FA Cup

3 minute read

Caitlin Foord scored twice in Arsenal's win at Liverpool and Hayley Raso inspired Man City to a derby win as Matildas continued to star in the Women's FA Cup.

CAITLIN FOORD.
CAITLIN FOORD. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Australian Matildas have continued to shine in the Women's FA Cup with two-goal Caitlin Foord and game changer Hayley Raso following Sam Kerr into the quarter-finals of the English game's biggest knock-out competition.

After Kerr's double helped power holders Chelsea into the last-eight with their 7-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday, Foord also scored a brace - highlighted by a dazzling second - in Arsenal's 4-0 win at Liverpool on Sunday.

And sparky winger Raso was central to Manchester City's second-half revival as they came from behind at halftime to hammer Manchester United 4-1 in an absorbing Cup derby.

Foord hasn't had a lot of starting opportunities in the Women's Super League but, on from the start against Championship side Liverpool, the 27-year-old grabbed her opportunity at Prenton Park with her first club goals since mid-November.

She put the WSL leaders ahead after 19 minutes, latching on to Brazilian Rafaelle's neat through ball and shooting past Rachel Laws, who got a hand to her left-footed strike but couldn't keep it out.

After teammate Katie McCabe had blasted the Gunners further ahead with perhaps the strike of the season, an unstoppable left-foot volley from 20 metres, Foord then delivered a masterpiece of her own in the 33rd minute.

Swivelling to find space in the D, Foord took the briefest of touches before crashing a thunderous half-volley into the net for perhaps her best goal in England.

With fellow Matildas Steph Catley and goalkeeper Lydia Williams ensuring a game Liverpool side were left scoreless, Foord then completed her fine afternoon by linking up with Kim Little, who added the fourth in the 68th minute.

In the Manchester derby, United led at halftime through Katie Zelem's 13th minute corner which sailed into the net untouched at the far post, prompting City boss Gareth Taylor to make a key double change at the break .

With Caroline Weir and Raso introduced, the Matilda made an instant impact, her overlapping run and deflected cross down the right setting up Lauren Hemp to equalise.

The electric Raso continued to discomfit United on the right flank and their defence crumbled with a couple of dismal mistakes allowing Ellen White and the excellent Weir to extend the lead before Khadija Shaw wrapped up the convincing win.

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