Mary Fowler scored during normal time and converted in the penalty shootout of the Women's FA Cup quarterfinal against Tottenham, but it wasn't enough for Manchester City to claim the victory.

The Matildas ace, who spends most of her time as a late-impact sub for City, must have been delighted to at last land the rare chance of a full game in a big tie at Tottenham's Brisbane Road home on Monday morning (AEDT).

But it turned into a bittersweet afternoon for Fowler, despite the 21-year-old striking a landmark goal for City — the 800th in its short history as one of England's powerhouse women's clubs — in just the sixth minute.

Spurs, taking advantage of City spurning a host of chances, came back to grab an equaliser in the 96th minute through captain Beth England, courtesy of a mix-up in the visitors' defence, to take the game into extra time.

It eventually came down to penalties, and although Fowler converted calmly to keep City in the tie at 3-2 down, the damage had already been done after Spurs keeper Rebecca Spencer had already made two saves.

Amy James-Turner then scored the winning penalty as Spurs won the shootout 4-3 to reach the semifinals for the first time.

Fowler had been given her chance because City had played just 72 hours earlier in their League Cup semifinal defeat by Chelsea.

The Aussie started sharply, linking up in a neat one-two with star striker Khadija Shaw before firing home via a big deflection.

Despite a good performance, the young Matilda will have rued another volleyed opportunity that she wasted in the first half.

In another quarterfinal on Monday morning, Cup holders Chelsea enjoyed a welcome 1-0 win at Everton, with Australian Clare Wheeler on the field.

Their latest Cup success came at the end of a week that had begun with Chelsea's star player Sam Kerr pleading not guilty to a charge of "racially aggravated harassment" of a London police officer in January 2023, and the club throwing its full support behind her.

Chelsea join Spurs, Manchester United and Leicester City, who have Matildas' fullback Courtney Nevin in their ranks, in the last four.

AAP