Albion draw Arsenal in FA Cup semis

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Hope Powell reflects on 1-0 win over Charlton and away tie for Albion in the last four.

Bruce Talbot

2021-09-29T20:32:00Z

Head coach Hope Powell praised her side's perseverance after Albion made history by reaching the semi-finals of the Vitality FA Cup for the first time.

Albion will travel to Arsenal on 31 October to battle for a place in the 50th FA Cup final at Wembley in December after Fliss Gibbons' second-half goal earned them a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

She said, "We're delighted to get through and make history for the club. We knew Charlton would make it very difficult for us and I was impressed with how they played. But we got a bit of control in the second half and managed the game pretty well after going in front."

Powell made five changes to the side beaten by Aston Villa in the WSL last Sunday and said it was important to give players minutes, especially as Albion are back in action on Saturday at champions Chelsea.

Rinsola Babajide attacks the Charlton defence

"Players like Katie [Robinson] and Rinsola [Babajide] haven't played much and they need to get time on the pitch and I thought they did well.

"We're in the middle of a busy week and it's all about rest and recovery as we prepare for what will be a very tough game on Saturday."

Manchester City face Chelsea in the other semi-final. Powell added, "Whoever got through would be a tough draw for us but it's nice to make history for the club and we will go to Arsenal and give it our absolute best."