The FA Women’s Cup holders, Manchester City, won 2-0 at Brighton to reach the fifth round on an afternoon when none of the leading contenders for the trophy were seriously troubled.

Women’s FA Cup final: Carli Lloyd strikes as Manchester City beat Birmingham Read more

Brighton, who are fourth in the second tier and coached by the former England manager, Hope Powell, were never likely to be pushovers and kept out City until seconds before half-time. The Women’s Super League leaders had come close on numerous occasions, with Claire Emslie hitting the crossbar, before the prolific Izzy Christiansen rifled in her 12th goal of the season.

The home side caused problems early in the second half and forced City’s 18-year-old goalkeeper, Ellie Roebuck, to save from Ini Umotong and Kirsty Barton, but Emslie doubled the lead on 66 minutes and ensured the final quarter of the game was a formality.

Chelsea had an altogether easier time against London Bees, who sit four places below Brighton in WSL2 but were demolished 10-0 by Emma Hayes’s side. Erin Cuthbert scored a hat-trick at The Hive while Katie Chapman and Fran Kirby each netted twice. Ji So-yun, Millie Bright and an own goal from Dani Lea completed the rout and put Chelsea in the hat for Monday’s draw.

Liverpool were similarly unhindered by opponents from a division lower. Watford prop up WSL2 with a single point and can at least say they were not disgraced in going down 5-0 away from home. It took seven minutes for Liverpool to break through via Alicia Johnson and goals by Caroline Weir, Bethany England and Martha Harris put them four up by the half-hour. Liverpool were then restricted to a 63rd-minute England strike in the remainder of the game.

There was little fuss from Arsenal, either, in disposing of Yeovil – who are top-flight rivals but are yet to take a point this season. The Gunners left Somerset with a 3-0 win, Jordan Nobbs being joined on the scoresheet by Beth Mead and a Hannah Miles own goal. Danielle Carter was denied from the penalty spot by a fine Megan Walsh save but it mattered little.

The biggest victory margin was recorded by Sunderland, who beat Brighouse 13-0 while Birmingham defeated Reading 1-0 and Everton overcame Bristol City 3-1 in another all-top-flight tie.