Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea

Aston Villa Women exited the Vitality Women's FA Cup in agonising fashion, losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Sam Kerr's second-half header proved the difference in a game where Villa bombarded Chelsea's goal for large spells.

Sarah Mayling hit the post late on as Villa pushed to send the game to extra time, but it was not to be.

Carla Ward made just one change to the side that started the league defeat to Chelsea two weeks ago.

Mayling returned from a brief absence to start at right-back, while Lucy Staniforth moved back into midfield alongside Kenza Dali and Jordan Nobbs.

Villa started the game in a much more assured manner in comparison to their showing a fortnight ago.

Several times in the opening exchanges, Villa looked threatening on the right-hand side as they tried to break in transition.

Despite the more balanced beginning to the game, Chelsea registered the game’s first attempt when Magdalena Eriksson’s cushioned header was held by Hannah Hampton.

Lauren James then flashed an effort over the bar from a corner as the visitors began to go through the gears.

James tested the Villa defence once again but this time saw her drive deflect off the dogged Dan Turner and into the arms of Hampton.

James was in the mood and saw her next attempt, a fizzing drive from outside the box, go inches wide of the post.

Villa didn’t seriously threaten the Chelsea goal until well into the first half, with Kirsty Hanson blasting an effort over the bar from just inside the area.

Lucy Staniforth did find the target moments later, but her well-struck shot was saved by the sprawling Zecira Musovic.

Chelsea turned the screw coming out of the break and laid siege on the Villa goal during the first few minutes of the second half.

Led by Dan Turner, Villa stood firm and produced a series of stunning blocks to keep the visitors at bay.

Villa almost took the lead with their next attack; Alisha Lehmann found the side netting with a powerful half-volley.

But for all their good will, Villa would rue that missed opportunity when Chelsea went in front.

Kerr, as she has done on so many occasions, rose highest in the six-yard box to head home.

Despite having it all to do with less than 30 minutes remaining, Villa were undeterred.

Kirsty Hanson forced Musovic into a low save, with Maz Pacheco having a pair of efforts blocked in the buildup.

Lehmann would have another sight of goal, too.

The winger dragged her effort from the right-hand side wide of the far post, while Kenza Dali also misfired from close range.

Mayling then struck the base of the post as Villa’s unrelenting pressure continued.

It wasn't to be however, as Villa exited the cup in heartbreaking fashion.