Brighton & Hove Albion staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling Women’s FA Cup semi-final, securing their first-ever appearance in the competition’s final.
The Seagulls trailed 2-0 inside 22 minutes at St Helens on Sunday, with Denise O’Sullivan heading Liverpool in front and Beata Olsson adding a close-range second.
However, Brighton responded swiftly as left-back Manuela Vanegas pulled one back before the break.
The comeback was completed in the second half when Madison Haley headed home to make it 2-2 by the 54th minute.
With extra time looming and the tie on a knife-edge, substitute Nadine Noordam struck the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time, lashing home from 10 yards just six minutes after replacing Fran Kirby
Nigeria’s Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie played a vital role in preserving Brighton’s hopes, producing crucial late saves to deny Liverpool substitutes Aurelie Csillag and Cornelia Kapocs.
The Seagulls will face either holders Chelsea or Manchester City, the Women’s Super League champions, in the final at Wembley on May 31.
