Despite the positive start, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 12th minute through a wonderful strike from Rantala, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box which flew past Becky Spencer. Our number 22 was called into action a few minutes later as Deanne Rose’s low cross was met by Sam Tierney just outside the six-yard box and Spencer managed to block her shot with an outstretched foot.
Naz was causing plenty of problems down the Foxes’ left-hand side and, in the 32nd minute, advanced from her own half to their 18-yard box but sent her effort wide of the post, while Eveliina Summanen rose highest to Amanda Nilden’s corner at the back-post, but she failed to keep her header down as we went into the break a goal down.
Bethany England and Nilden saw curling efforts from the edge of the box go narrowly wide of the target before Summanen sent a good chance over the bar on the half-volley. Chances were few and far between for a large spell of the second half, but the game came alive in the closing stages as Naz stepped up with a momentous goal with just seven minutes left until the end of the 90. England, who covered every single blade of grass, sent a long ball forward and a mis-timed clearance allowed our number seven to race in behind before calmly firing the ball into the bottom corner.
We were inches away from nicking the victory in stoppage time as Thomas saw a poked effort from close range pushed around the post by Kop before England’s cross found Charlotte Grant at the back post, but she failed to direct her effort on target, meaning we had to settle for another 30 minutes.
The visitors struck the woodwork in the ninth minute of extra time, Spencer pushing Rantala’s free-kick onto the crossbar before we managed to clear the ball away, however, it looked destined that we were heading to another penalty shootout before Thomas was on hand to continue our historic run in the competition. Matilda Vinberg sent a lofted ball into the box as Luana Buhler’s header kept the move alive around the six-yard box and our number 17 rose highest to send a looping header over Kop to book our spot at Wembley.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
