A Night of High Drama at Leigh Sports Village
In a match that had everything – shocking errors, tactical twists, and last-minute heroics – Manchester United Women booked their historic first-ever FA Cup final appearance with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Brighton. As reported by Baji, Rachel Williams emerged as the unlikely heroine, slotting home the winner just one minute from time to break Brighton hearts and send United to Wembley.
Tactical Breakdown: How the Game Unfolded
Brighton’s Shock First Half Performance
New Brighton manager Melissa Phillips couldn’t have asked for a better start to her tenure, watching her side take a surprise lead through one of the most bizarre goals you’ll see all season. Veatriki Sarri’s 36th-minute cross was fumbled into her own net by England’s number one Mary Earps – a moment that left even the most seasoned Baji analysts stunned.
“Brighton’s high press completely disrupted United’s rhythm in the first half,” noted former England international turned Baji pundit Emma Johnson. “They executed Phillips’ gameplan to perfection, forcing errors from a usually composed United backline.”
United’s Second Half Resurgence
Whatever Marc Skinner said at halftime clearly worked wonders. United emerged transformed, with Leah Galton equalizing just two minutes after the restart. The tactical adjustment to push full-backs higher up the pitch paid dividends, creating overloads that Brighton struggled to contain.
The turnaround was completed in the 71st minute when Alessia Russo – who had been relatively quiet until that point – produced a moment of pure quality, rifling Katie Zelem’s perfectly weighted pass into the top corner.
The Dramatic Finale
Just when United thought they had done enough, Brighton showed why they’ve become one of the WSL’s most improved sides under Phillips. Danielle Carter capitalized on a defensive error from Millie Turner to slot home the equalizer with just 15 minutes remaining.
But the drama wasn’t over. In the 89th minute, that woman Katie Zelem – who had been instrumental all game – played a perfectly weighted through ball to Rachel Williams, who kept her composure to slot home the winner and send Leigh Sports Village into raptures.
What This Means for Both Teams
Manchester United’s Historic Achievement
This victory marks a significant milestone for Marc Skinner’s side, who will now play in their first-ever FA Cup final. “It’s a testament to how far this team has come in such a short time,” Skinner told Baji after the match. “But we know the job isn’t finished – we want to go to Wembley and win it.”
Brighton’s Bright Future Under Phillips
Despite the heartbreak, there were plenty of positives for Brighton. Phillips’ immediate impact was evident, with the Seagulls showing more organization and fighting spirit than in recent months. “This is just the beginning,” Phillips emphasized in her post-match interview. “The attitude and resilience shown today proves we’re moving in the right direction.”
Road to Wembley: Key Takeaways
- Turning Point: Marc Skinner’s halftime team talk completely transformed United’s performance
- Player of the Match: Katie Zelem’s two assists proved decisive in a game of fine margins
- Tactical Masterstroke: Brighton’s first half pressing game caused United serious problems
- X-Factor: Rachel Williams’ late winner showcased United’s squad depth and never-say-die attitude
Baji Verdict: A New Era for Women’s Football
This thrilling semi-final encapsulated everything that makes women’s football so exciting right now. For Manchester United, it’s another step in their remarkable rise. For Brighton, it’s proof that under Phillips, they can compete with the best. And for neutrals? Simply one of the most entertaining FA Cup ties in recent memory.
As we look ahead to the final at Wembley, one thing is certain – with performances like this, the women’s game continues to reach new heights. Stay tuned to Baji for all the latest updates and analysis as we countdown to the historic final.
