Manchester City looked to be heading out of the Women’s FA Cup until Jane Ross scored a 90th-minute equaliser against Sunderland to take the game to extra-time. The Scottish striker’s goal made it 2-2 in the quarter-final, and she then went on to score another in extra-time before Ella Toone completed the 4-2 victory which booked a semi-final against the Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea.

Victoria Williams put Sunderland on their way to a potential shock in the 32nd minute when a Lucy Staniforth free-kick was flicked into her path, allowing her to direct the ball under the City goalkeeper. The hosts held the lead for 40 minutes until the England international Demi Stokes found herself in the right place to divert a pull back from the substitute Nadia Nadim into the back of the net.

Despite the blow, Sunderland fought back to retake the lead soon after as Staniforth sent an unstoppable shot into the top corner from distance. It was a goal deserving of a win but it was not to be for Sunderland.

In the final minute of normal time Ross was the first to react to a rebound, leaving City joyous and Sunderland broken heading into the additional 30 minutes. It was the City striker who would make the difference in extra‑time as she made the most of good work from Toone on the wing before sending it to Ross to complete the move.

Toone then scored to confirm the victory with six minutes left on the clock, dashing any hope of a comeback from Sunderland.

Everton also made it through to the last four by breezing past Durham 6-1 with Courtney Sweetman-Kirk scoring a hat-trick. They will face Arsenal in the semi-finals after the north London side hammered Charlton 5-0.

City’s involvement in the Women’s FA Cup gave Chelsea the opportunity to pull further clear of Nick Cushing’s second-placed side in the league at home against Reading but they took only partial advantage, drawing 2-2.

Chelsea went behind as Brooke Chaplen converted a penalty midway through the first half. Things did not get better for the hosts after the break as Fara Williams doubled the advantage.

Eventually Chelsea rallied as Fran Kirby reduced the deficit when she fired home against her former club. With 12 minutes remaining Kirby crossed for Jonna Andersson who smashed the ball in off the bar to earn a draw that leaves them two points above Manchester City having played a game more.

Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 at Birmingham, who picked up their fourth win in five games thanks to goals from Rachel Williams, Paige Williams, Jess Carter and Ellen White.