Birmingh am knocked FA Cup holders Arsenal out of the competition yesterday, thanks to a Marisa Ewers second-half strike.

For the Gunners, it was a complete contrast to the 10-0 victory over Tottenham two weeks ago where they could not miss — this time drawing a blank thanks to the heroics of Blues keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Birmingham boss Marc Skinner said: “Ann-Katrin is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and she’s shown that today. We brought her to the club for a reason and you could see why.

“She has made some top class saves and, along with the defensive unit in front of her, worked very hard to keep that clean sheet.

“With both Ann-Katrin and Sophie Baggaley — one of the finest goalkeeping prospects in this country — in our squad, we are extremely well blessed in that department.”

With victories for Chelsea and Manchester City, Skinner knows a place in the final is far from guaranteed but backs his side to make the final at Wembley.

“We are not daft here. We realise that whoever we draw in the semi-finals is going to represent a huge challenge for us.

“However, we have a team of talented footballers who are determined to prove their undoubted potential and reaching Wembley is clearly a big motivation for the players and management.

“I stressed only recently that we are not here to make up the numbers against anyone. We believe in ourselves and will be giving it everything.”

Joining Birmingham in this afternoon’s semi-final draw will be City, who needed a late Nikita Parris strike to see them through — Hayley Ladd’s headed own goal gave the current Women’s Super League champions the lead only for Claire Emslie to equalise just before the break.

Last year’s finalists Chelsea had to come from behind at home against Sunderland but ended up being comfortable 5-1 winners, while Liverpool completed the job in 90 minutes this time around, after beating Everton in the quarter-finals in extra time, dispatching Notts County with ease 2-0.