Blues and Reds brush aside Cup opponents

NO great drama for United as last season's beaten finalists routed Newcastle 5-0 at Leigh, where Nikita Parris struck in either half to subdue a sizeable travelling contingent.

- PA SPORTS STAFF

Third-tier Newcastle headed into this fixture on the back of a 30-game unbeaten streak their last loss was in December 2022 - but the Red Devils' class told as Ella Toone opened the scoring.

Parris then bagged a brace before substitutes Rachel Williams and Melvine Malard added gloss to the scoreline to emphasise the gulf in quality between these two teams.

Manchester City brushed aside Durham 4-0 thanks to a double from Jill Roord after Laura Coombs had broken the deadlock early on, with Mary Fowler completing the scoring in the closing stages.

Chelsea were given a major scare before booking a spot in the FA Cup fifth round as the defending champions came from behind to seal a 3-1 victory over West Ham after extra time.

Viviane Asseyi gave the Hammers a shock lead after 18 minutes and Rehanne Skinner's side, who have won just once in the Women's Super League this season, looked unflustered for large spells at Kingsmeadow.