Birmingham’s Hurtré piles pain on Chatham during 8-0 rout in Women’s FA Cup

Guardian Sport

by Tom Garry at St Andrew's

February 21, 2026

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Birmingham City Women secured a dominant 8-0 victory over Chatham Town in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round, with Océane Hurtré scoring a hat-trick as part of an impressive performance. The game showcased the stark difference in quality between the second-tier Birmingham side and Chatham, a fourth-tier minnow, who were unable to match their opponents' speed, stamina, and skill. Despite their amateur status and limited resources, Chatham put up a valiant effort, keeping the contest competitive for nearly an hour before Birmingham’s superior class took over. The game was a masterclass in attacking football from Birmingham, with Hurtré leading the charge. Her goals came at the 26th, 59th, and 68th minutes, highlighting her clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps. Other notable scorers included Sarri, who netted at the 53rd minute; Louis, who found the back of the net in the 65th and 89th minutes; Lee, who scored at the 70th minute; and Leidhammar, who added a goal at the 76th minute. This overwhelming performance not only secured Birmingham’s place in the quarter-finals but also demonstrated their hunger for success as they aim to climb up the women’s football pyramid. For Chatham Town, despite their valiant effort, the match highlighted the challenges faced by lower-tier teams competing against professional outfits. Manager Keith Boanas likened the speed disparity

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/21/2026