West Ham’s Aussies trounced as Sam Kerr’s Chelsea book League Cup final berth

Sam Kerr will have the chance to compete for her second Women’s League Cup trophy in as many seasons after Chelsea breezed through to the competition’s final.

Kerr was left on the bench for the semifinal against West Ham United but there was no need for Chelsea coach Emma Hayes to call on the Matildas captain, with Pernille Harder’s hat trick leading the Blues to a thumping 6-0 win.

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It was a game to forget for West Ham’s Australia internationals Mackenzie Arnold and Emily van Egmond, who both played full games for the overwhelmed visitors.

Harder opened the scoring after just four minutes and Chelsea kicked on from there with Matildas second-choice goalkeeper Arnold contributing to the rout.

Arnold let Sophie Ingle’s shot squirm under her for Chelsea’s second goal in the 15th, then turned a clearance straight to Harder for the third just 10 minutes later.

Beth England slots home Chelsea’s fourth goal past West Ham keeper Mackenzie Arnold. Catherine Ivill – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Beth England scored in the 27th minute and Fran Kirby turned home a fifth in the 70th before Harder rounded out her hat trick and the victory in the 86th.

Kerr could face a fellow West Australian in the final on March 14 after Ella Mastrantonio’s Bristol City beat Leicester City 1-0 in the other semifinal.

Mastrantonio was left on Bristol’s bench as they progressed courtesy of Kiera Skeels’ 72nd-minute header.