Super Falcons striker Ini Umotong fires Brighton Ladies into the last 16 of Women's FA Cup

SUPER Falcons striker Ini Umotong has helped fire Brighton Ladies to the last eight of the Women's FA Cup finding the back of the net in the last Group B encounter against the London City Lionesses in a match which the Seagulls won 4-2.

Brighton Ladies went into the tie knowing a win would see them through and strikes from Matilde Lundorf, Umotong, Emily Simpkins and a Harley Bennett's own goal sealed their passage. Lundorf opened the scoring for the visitors with just 18 minutes into the contest but Evie Clarke levelled matters for the hosts from the spot two minutes after the restart.

In the 52nd minute, however, Umotong, the Nigerian international, scored an easy tap in from Amanda Nilden’s cross before Bennett's own goal gifted Hope Powell's ladies the third goal of the match 16 minutes later. Having gained full control of the encounter, Simpkins fired home the fourth for the visitors to guarantee their passage despite Ellie Mason's late strike a minute from time for Lionesses.

Umotong, who lasted for 76 minutes of the game before she was replaced with Le Garrec, has now scored three goals in five cup games and four overall in 12 outings this season for Brighton. Yesterday's victory means Brighton finished behind Arsenal to reach the last eight of the competition and they will now shift focus to the Women’s Super League encounter against Manchester City on Sunday.