The Women’s FA Cup fourth round delivered thrilling moments, stellar comebacks, and unforgettable performances over the weekend. Teams from different tiers of English football competed fiercely, showcasing the growing depth and talent in women’s football.
From Vivianne Miedema’s return to action for Manchester City to Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s eight-minute hat-trick for London City Lionesses, the round offered plenty to talk about.
Vivianne Miedema’s Triumphant Return
After battling injuries for two years, Vivianne Miedema made a remarkable return for Manchester City. Her 30-minute cameo in City’s 3-0 victory over Ipswich saw her back among the goals. This timely return is crucial, with the team already missing key players like Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp.
Miedema’s goal marked a significant milestone, providing hope for City fans as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. Laura Coombs and Jill Roord also added their names to the scoresheet, sealing a solid win against a resilient Ipswich side unbeaten in the FAWNL Southern Division.
Aston Villa’s Nine-Goal Thrashing
Aston Villa put on a masterclass with a stunning 9-0 victory against Bristol Rovers. Gabi Nunes stole the show with her first hat-trick for the team, while Rachel Daly contributed two goals. Six different Villa players found the back of the net, demonstrating the team’s attacking depth.
Dutch midfielder Jill Baijings capped off the rout with Villa’s ninth goal on her debut. Having recovered from a lengthy injury, Baijings’ performance highlighted Villa’s potential to challenge top-tier teams as the tournament progresses.
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Wolves End Cheltenham’s Dream Run
Cheltenham’s historic FA Cup journey came to an end against Wolves, who secured a 2-0 victory in front of over 500 fans. Goals from Amber Hughes and Beth Merrick ensured Wolves matched last season’s achievement of reaching the fifth round.
Cheltenham’s performance throughout the competition has been commendable, marking significant progress for the Gloucestershire-based team. Despite the loss, their determination and resilience were evident, leaving fans optimistic about their future.
Rachel Williams Shines for Manchester United
Manchester United cruised to a 7-0 victory over West Brom, with Rachel Williams emerging as the star. Coming on just before the hour mark, Williams netted a hat-trick that left fans in awe. Ella Toone also returned from injury, scoring a goal, while Celin Bizet added two more to complete the rout.
United’s dominant display highlighted their attacking prowess and depth, reinforcing their status as strong contenders in this year’s FA Cup.
Mai Moncaster’s Stellar Day for Rugby Borough
Rugby Borough’s 6-0 win over London Bees was a showcase of Mai Moncaster’s exceptional talent. The 23-year-old played a role in four goals, scoring one and assisting three others. Her contributions included a cushioned header and key passes that set up goals for Nicky Potts, Angelina Nixon, and Rhianne Rush.
Moncaster’s performance exemplifies Rugby’s strength as they continue their unbeaten streak since October. Fans will be eager to see how far this team can go in the competition.
Lauren James Returns in Chelsea Victory
Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Charlton saw the much-anticipated return of Lauren James. After being sidelined since October with a calf injury, James’ return brought relief to Chelsea fans. “I’m really glad to be back,” James said post-match. “I’ve missed the feeling of being out on the pitch.”
Mayra Ramírez opened the scoring with a header, followed by a Guro Reiten penalty and goals from Aggie Beever-Jones and Niamh Charles. Chelsea’s commanding performance further cemented their reputation as FA Cup favorites.
Eleanor Dale and Ellen Jones’ Goal-Filled Game
Sunderland’s Eleanor Dale and Ellen Jones were instrumental in their team’s 7-1 victory over Exeter. Dale scored four goals, while Jones netted a hat-trick, ensuring the Championship side advanced comfortably.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Exeter made history by scoring the only goal for a losing side in this round. Sarah Stacey’s penalty provided a moment of pride for the team, showcasing their fighting spirit.
Jasmine McQuade’s Decisive Strike for Newcastle
Newcastle edged past Nottingham Forest with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Jasmine McQuade’s long-range strike in the 76th minute. The match was a test of patience and determination, with both teams battling intensely.
McQuade’s goal ensured Newcastle’s place in the fifth round, highlighting the importance of moments of brilliance in tightly contested games.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s Quickfire Hat-Trick
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah began 2025 in spectacular fashion, scoring an eight-minute hat-trick for London City Lionesses in their 5-0 win over Fulham. The match drew over 2,000 fans to Craven Cottage, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s football.
Fulham, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the dominance of their opponents. Despite the loss, Fulham’s performance was a testament to their determination and ambition to climb the football pyramid.
The Women’s FA Cup fourth round was a celebration of talent, resilience, and passion. From Vivianne Miedema’s inspiring return to Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s hat-trick heroics, the round highlighted the depth and excitement of women’s football.
As the competition progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling encounters and standout performances. The Women’s FA Cup continues to be a stage where dreams are made, showcasing the best of the beautiful game.
