Women's football: Late strike denies Aston Villa win at Arsenal

Villa Women suffered frustration as Alessia Russo’s late goal denied them victory at Arsenal.

The England international struck in the 85th minute to deny Villa a famous win at the Emirates Stadium.

Chastity Grant’s first half strike had put the visitors in front and they then held out bravely, with goalkeeper Akane Okuma making several big saves.

But Russo earned the Gunners a share of the spoils when she headed home Stina Blackstenius’ cross.

The result still extended Villa’s unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches under interim boss Brian Sorensen.

Wolves Women took revenge on Bristol City as they claimed a 2-1 win in the Subway Players Cup.

Dan McNamara’s team, beaten 4-2 by the Robins just a week earlier in WSL 2, snatched victory thanks to Mel Filis’ 81st minute strike.

Yana Daniels had earlier put Wolves in front and though Emily Syme responded for the visitors, Filis had the final word.

Albion Women cruised into the last-16 of the National League Cup with a 3-0 win at Norton and Stockton Ancients.

Ella Haughey scored in each half, while Milly Round netted her first goal for the club to cap a strong afternoon for the Baggies.

Tash Baptiste netted the only goal as Lye Town beat York City to advance in the National League Plate.

The striker found the net just moments before the end of the first half to earn her team the victory.

But Kidderminster Harriers are out after going down 4-1 at home to Stevenage. Grace Morris at least provided some cheer with a late consolation.

Hednesford Town continued their unbeaten start to the season in the West Midlands Premier Division with a 3-0 win at home to Port Vale.

They were made to work hard for the win, with Elisha Davis eventually breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark.

Things then got easier when the visitors saw two players sent-off just seconds apart, one for a cynical push and the other for dissent.

Phoebe Lloyd swiftly doubled the advantage before Davis got her second of the afternoon to seal the win.

Stourbridge claimed a much-needed win as they beat Knowle 2-1 at the War Memorial Ground.

Elsewhere, Walsall are through to the next round of the West Midlands League Cup after thrashing Rugby Town 4-0, with four different players finding the net.

Amy Rollason got things rolling with a stunning long-range effort, with further strikes from Molly Cook and Rhi Bate effectively putting the tie to bed before the break. Mia Fellows added her name to the scoresheet in the second half.

Halesowen Town Ladies are also through courtesy of a 2-1 win at Leamington.