Manchester United beat Tottenham to win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time

Manchester United lifted the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history after a comfortable 4-0 win over Tottenham at Wembley.

Ella Toone, who started when United were narrowly beaten by Chelsea in the final a year ago, broke the deadlock with a fine finish in first-half stoppage time.

Rachel Williams, in her fourth FA Cup final, headed in nine minutes after the restart before a mistake by Spurs goalkeeper Becky Spencer gave Lucia Garcia her first goal three minutes later.

The Bethany England captain came closest for Tottenham in their first FA Cup final with a header that clipped the crossbar before Garcia braced himself to put the comeback within reach.

It is the first time since Birmingham’s victory in 2012 – where Williams scored a crucial stoppage-time equalizer for the winners – that the trophy has not been won by one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City.

The first half got off to a flying start with Tottenham letting an early chance slip away when Matilda Vinberg struck over the bar before United countered with two chances of their own, including a Williams effort from a corner that went just wide.

Williams and Vinberg soon had further chances to open the scoring – both headers missing – and by half-time there was little between the sides, with Marc Skinner’s side looking a little more animated but coming shortly after Millie Turner and Garcia they failed to succeed. find the back of the net with short range headers in quick succession.

Toone headed the ball over the bar with an outstretched boot, while Martha Thomas put Spurs out of danger with an excellent block to clear Turner’s header off the line and Toone curled home her eighth shot after -United’s midday shot past Spencer’s right post.

Lisa Naalsund tried next for United, completely smashing an effort from the edge of the area as the pace of the game dropped significantly.

Just as a goalless first half began to look inevitable, Toone patiently weaved his way forward before unleashing a sumptuous long-range strike into the top corner.

United doubled their lead nine minutes after the restart when Williams rose highest to meet captain Kate Zelem’s free-kick and steer her header into the back of the net.

It all began to unravel three minutes later when Spencer completely botched a clearance, instead heading his pass straight to Garcia, who obliged the gift with a simple finish.

Spurs were still looking for the first shot on target when England came inches from pulling one back with Tottenham’s best chance of the afternoon, clipping the crossbar with a header.

Any hopes of Tottenham resuming a miraculous comeback were all but nipped in the bud when they couldn’t deal with substitute Melvine Malard’s cross and Garcia pounced, slotting home to seal a deserved victory.