Republic of Ireland centre-half Caitlin Hayes scored a super header as Brighton and Hove Albion pulled off a shock by dumping European champions Arsenal out of the Women's FA Cup, with Denise O'Sullivan's Liverpool following them into the last four after an extra-time win against Charlton.
The Seagulls got their game plan spot on to claim a 2-0 win in the quarter-final clash at Meadow Park.
Moments after Gunners forward Stina Blackstenius had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up, Madison Haley latched on to Fran Kirby's pass and fired past Daphne van Domselaar in the 48th minute.
Kirby was again the provider in the 63rd minute as her corner was met by Hayes, who brilliantly headed over Van Domselaar and in to settle this quarter-final contest in favour of the underdogs.
Ireland captain Katie McCabe came on as a 76th-minute sub for the Gunners but she could not inspire a late turnaround.
Later in the day, Liverpool squeezed past WSL2 outfit Charlton at the Valley thanks to a goal in extra-time from 18-year-old substitute Zara Shaw.
Shaw has been out injured for over a year out but made a dream return to settle a cagey contest, prodding home in the 115th minute following a goalmouth scramble.
O'Sullivan started for the Merseysiders and was withdrawn after 56 minutes.
The winning moment from Zara Shaw 🥹
— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) April 5, 2026
So, so special. pic.twitter.com/ned3YQePCj
