Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United: Home side win derby to reach Women’s League Cup quarter-finals | Manchester News

Manchester City reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s League Cup by beating neighbours Manchester United.

Hemp got on the scoresheet to provide City’s second, following up a Tullis-Joyce save from close range.

United pulled one back through Nikita Parris in injury time but it was too late to inspire a comeback.

Victory meant City leapfrogged United at the top of Group D and secured automatic progression from the group stage.

The five group winners qualify for the quarter-finals alongside the best two second-placed sides, decided on points-per-game as groups differ in size.

City join Chelsea at the quarter-final stage, who receive a bye due to their participation in the Champions League group stage.

United’s 2.25 points per game should qualify them for the knockout stage, with only Tottenham, who play on Thursday, able to better that tally.

However, Aston Villa possibly fielded an ineligible player in their 7-0 victory over Sunderland in Group A. Sport understands the Football Association is investigating whether Villa did so when they brought on Noelle Maritz as a substitute, who has previously played in this season’s competition for Arsenal.

Should the result be awarded to Sunderland – and Villa not receive a harsher punishment – then Villa will be level on points-per-game with United but have a better goal difference, while Sunderland would win Group A.

Elsewhere, England captain Leah Williamson made her return after an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Arsenal‘s 6-0 victory over Reading, which saw the Gunners win their group.

Second-tier London City reach quarter-finals – round-up

Championship side London City Lionesses are the only second-division team left in the competition after they won Group C by beating Crystal Palace 2-1.

Brighton, who won 2-1 away at Charlton, have won Group E.

Tottenham could qualify as one of the best second-placed sides on points-per-game when they play Southampton on Thursday (19:45 GMT).

Leicester, who finished third in Group B, thrashed Everton 5-1.

Watford’s game at home to Lewes in Group C was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, although neither team can progress from the group stage.