Kerr and Fowler boost for Matildas before Asian Cup opener in Perth

Australia’s two superstar Matildas will fly home for the Women’s Asian Cup in buoyant mood after Mary Fowler made her first start in 315 days and Perth’s Sam Kerr proved once again she’s the queen of the FA Cup with a smartly taken goal.

There had been plenty of questions over the readiness of the illustrious duo with Fowler having been sidelined for three weeks since making a 15-minute return for Manchester City following her long injury absence and Kerr cutting a frustrated figure for Chelsea with only bit-part cameos.

But with Australia’s opening Asian Cup match just a week away against the Philippines in Kerr’s Perth backyard, the pair chose the perfect moment to demonstrate their sharpness as they helped steer their sides into the quarter-finals of the Cup.

Kerr, who always seems to come alive during the Women’s FA Cup, having scored five goals in three final victories and netting a double against Crystal Palace in the previous round, this time transformed the fifth-round tie against Manchester United after coming on as a 72nd minute sub at Kingsmeadow.

On her 150th appearance for the Blues, the Matildas skipper soon livened up Chelsea’s stuttering attack, scoring within six minutes of her entrance, a left foot strike cannoning in off the post after fellow Aussie Ellie Carpenter’s delivery into the box wasn’t cleared.

Simi Awujo bundled in an equaliser for United within three minutes, but Chelsea sealed a 2-1 win in extra-time with a maiden goal for their US world-record signing defender Naomi Girma.

“I know it’s not been easy for Sam, because she’s a competitive player who wants to play a lot of minutes, and I understand that,” said Sonia Bompastor, referring to how she’s so often used Kerr as a sub since she returned from her ACL injury.

“But those on the bench are really important for me, because they can make an impact when they come in. I think that’s what Sam did today, and it’s great for the team. I’m really happy for her.”