Nadine Noordam struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable Brighton comeback as the Seagulls reached their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final with a dramatic victory over Liverpool.
Brighton looked beaten after falling 2-0 behind early in the semi-final at St Helens, but a spirited fightback saw them draw level before Noordam fired home a powerful winner in the fifth minute of added time to seal a famous triumph.
Dario Vidosic’s side will now face either holders Chelsea or Women’s Super League champions Manchester City at Wembley on 31 May.
Liverpool made a dream start and appeared in complete control during the opening stages.
Denise O’Sullivan headed the hosts into the lead before Beata Olsson doubled the advantage from close range inside 22 minutes, leaving Brighton stunned and seemingly heading out of the competition.
But the momentum shifted quickly when Brighton defender Manuela Vanegas pulled a goal back soon after Liverpool’s second.
That goal sparked belief among the visitors, who began to grow into the game and dominate possession.
Fran Kirby, chasing a fifth FA Cup triumph in her career, came agonisingly close to equalising shortly after the restart when she struck the post from close range.
Brighton did not have to wait long for a leveller, though, as Madison Haley headed home her fourth goal of the competition in the 54th minute to make it 2-2.
With the tie finely balanced, Brighton pushed hardest for a winner in the closing stages.
Kiko Seike forced an excellent save from Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, while Chiamaka Nnadozie kept Brighton alive at the other end by denying substitute Aurelie Csillag in a huge late chance for Liverpool.
As extra time loomed, Brighton found one final surge.
Introduced in the 89th minute, Norwegian midfielder Noordam became the hero when she controlled the ball inside the area before smashing a fierce finish high into the net with virtually the final kick of the match.
The dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations among the Brighton players and supporters as the club secured its first Women’s FA Cup final appearance.
Brighton looked shellshocked during the opening 20 minutes and seemed destined to miss out after Liverpool’s explosive start.
Yet once Vanegas reduced the deficit, belief rapidly spread through Vidosic’s side.
Kirby’s missed opportunity early in the second half only seemed to fuel Brighton’s determination, and Haley’s equaliser shifted the momentum entirely in their favour.
From that point onward, Brighton controlled much of the game physically and territorially, finishing strongly as Liverpool faded.
Having already taken points off Arsenal and defeated newly crowned WSL champions Manchester City recently, Brighton will head to Wembley full of confidence regardless of who they face in the final.
For Liverpool, it was heartbreakingly familiar.
For the second consecutive season, the Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup in stoppage time after surrendering a winning position.
Last year it was Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones scoring late to deny them a place in the final.
This time, Noordam delivered the decisive blow.
Liverpool had looked far stronger than their league form suggested during an impressive first-half display, but allowing Brighton back into the match so quickly after taking a two-goal lead proved costly.
The visitors dominated the second half, outshooting Liverpool 10-3 after the break as Gareth Taylor’s side struggled to regain control.
Despite the disappointment, there were signs of encouragement for Liverpool, who showed flashes of promise that suggest brighter days could lie ahead - even if this defeat will sting for some time.
