Shannon O’Brien led the charge with a brace, alongside goals from Janice Cayman, Saori Takarada, Deanne Rose, and Aileen Whelan, propelling Leicester to their second consecutive FA Cup victory and securing their spot in the competition’s quarter-finals.
Leicester, seeking redemption from a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the previous weekend’s Barclays Women’s Super League match, made three strategic changes to their lineup, introducing Janina Leitzig, Josie Green, and Missy Goodwin to the starting eleven.
The match began tepidly for the home team, which quickly found itself trailing after a Birmingham free-kick took a regrettable detour into their net off Goodwin. Leicester’s initial opportunity arose 16 minutes in, with Yuka Momiki’s edge-of-the-box strike being adeptly saved by Lucy Thomas.
The game’s momentum shifted as Leicester equalized through a precise Cayman finish, set up by Takarada, marking Cayman’s sixth goal of the season. O’Brien soon added to the tally, showcasing her prowess with a stunning strike to overtake Birmingham.
Despite a leveling goal from ex-Leicester player Libby Smith, O’Brien’s relentless effort reinstated Leicester’s lead before halftime, displaying her tenacity and drive for victory.
The game’s dynamic solidified in the second half, with Leicester extending their lead. Takarada marked her scoring debut for the club with a header, followed by impactful contributions from substitutes Rose and Whelan, who both found the back of the net, showcasing their attacking flair.
Rose, the Canadian international, swiftly made an impact by navigating through Birmingham’s defense to score, while Whelan’s late-game volley sealed a comprehensive win for Leicester, bringing their tournament goal tally into double figures.
The victory at Pirelli Stadium not only emphasizes Leicester’s attacking depth and resilience but also secures their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with the draw scheduled to be broadcast live on BBC’s The One Show on Monday evening.
