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

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. 

Alex Burstow/GettyImages

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.

✅ @SSEWomensFACup debut
✅ Hat-trick hero

Not bad at just 16 years of age, @RubyJayneGrant 👏#WeAreTheArsenal pic.twitter.com/7pxey2LTVh

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) February 3, 2019

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.

Next round here we come! 😁
So proud + so good to see @megcam10 back today! Know how hard you have worked over the last year! Also to @pauline_bremer on scoring today! Well done You legends! 💙 pic.twitter.com/xhJHMHbC7U

— Steph Houghton MBE (@stephhoughton2) February 2, 2019

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.

We're through to the next round! #WHUBRL pic.twitter.com/WJLZ7SaYdk

— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) February 3, 2019

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. 

🏆 So who's up next?

🕡 @suesmith8 and @rach_brown1 will conduct the 5th round draw on BBC News Channel during Sportsday from 6.30pm on Monday!

📺 Watch the draw live on the @BBCNews Channel and on the @BBCSport website! pic.twitter.com/9WK7VMgCXg

— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) February 3, 2019

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.