Chelsea advanced to the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final after prevailing 1-0 over London rivals Crystal Palace in an evenly fought fifth-round contest at Kingsmeadow yesterday.

Mayra Ramirez scored the winner in the 81st minute, her first goal for the club since joining them from Spanish side Levante in January for a women’s world-record transfer fee of €450,000.

Making only her second start in a Chelsea shirt, the Colombian forward capitalised on the opportunity as she back-heeled defender Ashley Lawrence’s cross into the net in heavy traffic from inside the box.

The goal came after Ramirez was denied by the crossbar. Substitute Sjoeke Nüsken slotted in the rebound by the goal was flagged offside.

Ramirez was among ten changes Chelsea manager Emma Hayes made to the starting XI that thrashed Sunderland 5-0 in the Continental Tyres League Cup quarter-final at Kingsmeadow last Wednesday, including Mia Fishel, who was not in the squad yesterday.

“'I'm really proud of the team,” Fishel commented on the club website after her team’s dominant display against Sunderland. “Coming into the quarters it’s difficult so we've been working on it all week and it’s good to see our training actually come out in the game.”

The United States forward, whose father Patrick is Bermudian, joined Chelsea from Mexican side Tigres last August for a reported $250,000 and she recently opened her account in the Women’s Champions League after scoring Chelsea’s second goal in a 4-0 win over Paris FC as they secured top spot in their final match in group D last week.

“I’m just improving and keep building my connections with my team-mates,” the 22-year-old said. “It takes time and each game is special because I get to continue to keep learning this game and this style of play.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, Bermuda forward Aaliyah Nolan got her name on to the scoresheet in Bradford City’s 3-1 triumph over Spennymoor Town at Horsfall Community Stadium.

Nolan grabbed the second goal with Mia Jacobs and Kanisha Mae Underdown scoring Bradford’s other goals and Caitlin Bates replying for Spennymoor.

Bradford are fourth in the North East Regional Women’s Football League Premier standings, five points adrift of leaders Barnsley, who are ahead of second place Sunderland West End Ladies First on goal difference.