Manchester City celebrate after Khadija Shaw scores against Birmingham CityGetty Images
At a glance
Manchester City beat Birmingham City to reach the semi-finals of the Women's FA Cup
Khadija Shaw's early strike the only goal at St Andrew's
WSL leaders will face Chelsea in the final four
PLAYER RATER
Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City booked a Women's FA Cup semi-final tie against 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.
In the other semi-final, Liverpool will take on Brighton.
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10 Pure perfection
Birmingham City
Manchester City
Starting XI
1L. Thomas
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30N. Herron
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6S. Cooke
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22O. Hurtré
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14S. Hopcroft
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26A. Miyagawa
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18R. McKenna
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20L. Lindström
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7Lee Geum-Min
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16L. Crosthwaite
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19C. Cornet
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15R. Holloway
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8W. Leidhammar
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17L. Quinn
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27V. Sarri
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Starting XI
35K. Keating
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15Leila Ouahabi
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5A. Greenwood
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4J. Rose
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24I. Beney
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17S. Coffey
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25Y. Hasegawa
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11L. Hemp
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7L. Coombs
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20A. Fujino
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9K. Shaw
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18K. Casparij
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8M. Fowler
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14Kerolin
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27R. Knaak
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