Women's FA Cup Roundup: Holders Chelsea Through as Manchester United Upset WSL Side Brighton
In a weekend of relatively few shocks in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup, second division Manchester United produced the only real cup-set as they overcame Women's Super League side Brighton.
17-year-old Lauren James netted twice for the Red Devils as the Championship promotion chasers shocked former England boss Hope Powell's Brighton side 2-0.
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Holders Chelsea struggled in their efforts to break down a resilient Everton, but two second-half goals from Drew Spence and Hannah Blundell ensured the Blues remain on course for a cup defence.
14-time winners Arsenal sailed through into the fifth round of the draw after they swept aside fourth-tier Crawley 4-0 away from home thanks to a stunning performance from 16-year-old Ruby Grant.
Having only made her league debut for the Gunners last November, Grant struck a superb hat-trick after veteran Kim Little had put the visitors ahead.
The Wasps came into the game leading the way at the top of the National Division One South East, but were blown away by the teenager's heroics.
Women's Super League leaders Manchester City comfortably beat Watford 3-0 thanks to goals from Nikita Parris (2) and Pauline Bremner.
After going in at half-time goalless, City turned on the style in the second half, with Parris coming off the bench to inspire the Citizens into the next round.
Elsewhere, top-flight West Ham avoided an upset to Blackburn, two divisions below them, as they came from behind to earn a 3-1 win.
Natasha Flint's early strike threatened to cause a huge shock, but a brace from January signing Adriana Leon and a goal from Brianna Vasilli denied Rovers a famous victory.
Finally, Championship high-flyers Tottenham and London Bees also safely booked their passage into the fifth round after victories over fellow second-tier sides Crystal Palace and Leicester respectively.
Ahead of Monday's draw, there will be numerous 'either/or's' after eight of the 15 scheduled fourth round ties were postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
Games involving Women's Super League sides Liverpool, Reading and Yeovil were among some of the fixtures to be postponed due to frozen pitches, with league games set to be rearranged in the forthcoming future.
