A brace from Guro Reiten and a Pernille Harder penalty secured the win for Hayes’ side at the Banks’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Blues are now in the hat for the fifth round, with the draw taking place on Monday evening live on Talk Sport 2.

‘We knew it would be hard physically on us today, having played on Wednesday night,’ Hayes said after the game.

‘I think it was a really professional performance. When you have to play three games in six days like that, it takes its load with such a small squad.’

Hayes spoke highly of her squad, who are missing several players to injury and participation in the Asia Cup.

‘Aniek Nouwen and Millie Bright are developing a good partnership,' she noted. 'Jonna Andersson has really recovered from not playing a lot in the first half of the season. Guro getting a couple of goals today, responding well to being taken off on Wednesday. Jessie Fleming was tired, bless her, they did put a shift in today!’

It was a clinical performance in front of goal from the Blues and Hayes was pleased with the attacking output of her side.

‘Goals are a bit like buses, they come in bunches,' she added. 'If you look at the number of chances we create in the league, we don’t struggle. The challenge is there for Pernille, Beth England, Fran Kirby, Erin Cuthbery and Guro, and they’re stepping up.'

The game also saw Alsu Abdullina make her full debut for Chelsea, while youngsters Emma Thompson and Aimee Claypole came off the bench to make their first senior appearances for the club.

‘Emma and Aimee debutants, Alsu’s first start, I’m really pleased,' said the boss.

'I’m really happy with the way we’re playing. They’re really showing their qualities and I think some of our stuff was at the top level today.’

It’s yet another quick turnaround for Hayes’ side as the relentless run of fixtures continues when we host Manchester United in the quarter-final of the Continental Tyres League Cup on Wednesday evening at Kingsmeadow.

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