Manchester City booked a Women's FA Cup semi-final tie away to Chelsea with a win at second-tier Birmingham City.

Khadija Shaw struck early in the game to give Andree Jeglertz's side the advantage, turning in with a first-time effort after Iman Beney cut the ball across the box.

As was to be expected against a side from the division below, Manchester City were dominant throughout and restricted the hosts to limited opportunities.

But they were made to deal with a side who played with a level of vigour befitting their desire for a giant-killing as Birmingham deployed a tireless high press.

Amy Merricks set her side up to be able to hit their top-flight opposition on the break and they found a way through on occasions, but were never able to create enough to properly trouble goalkeeper Khiara Keating.

Manchester City, meanwhile, did not find the needed quality in the final third to be able to extend their advantage, but managed to grind out victory and avoid an upset.

The three-time winners, who were beaten by Manchester United in the final four last year, have now reached the semi-finals in back-to-back seasons.

Victory sets up another cup meeting against Chelsea, who they suffered a 2-1 defeat by when they met in the League Cup final in March.

In the other semi-final, Liverpool will take on Brighton.

Manchester City had ample opportunities to win this tie by more than just the one goal but did not have the cutting edge in the final third.

Birmingham's steely back line played a part as they tried to close down the spaces and make it tricky for the visitors to play it through the defence, but they should really have scored more.

They managed 15 shots but hit the target with only four as they generated 1.67 expected goals.

Jeglertz's side hit the woodwork three times, with Shaw the first to do so at 1-0 as a fierce strike cannoned off the bar after hitting defender Neve Herron.

Yui Hasegawa sent a powerful effort towards the target, but goalkeeper Lucy Thomas managed to push it on to the bar.

Even set-pieces, which have often resulted in goals for the Women's Super League side this term, could not deliver their second as Rebecca Knaak crashed a header off the bar from a late corner.

As with Charlton making it difficult for Liverpool on Saturday, Birmingham proved they were capable of dealing with top-flight opposition.

They are currently top of the WSL 2 on goal difference and have a game against second-placed Charlton left to play.

However, they could not punish the visitors for lapses at the back despite having some nice moves, managing just two shots and hitting the target with neither.

While this was not the display the visitors' supporters would have been hoping for, Manchester City showed their professionalism as they defended their advantage and managed to prevent being knocked out.

Victory also keeps alive their hopes of achiving a league and cup double, currently sitting nine points clear at the top of the WSL.

The top two divisions of English women's football now pause for an international break.

Birmingham are next in action when they host Ipswich in the WSL2 at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 26 April.

Manchester City's quest for the Women's Super League title continues when they travel to Brighton at 12:00 BST on Saturday, 25 April.

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