English Womens Football Archive - April 2006
Womens Football Review: Saturday, April 1 On Thursday night Lianne Sanderson bagged two goals as Arsenal Ladies consolidated their position at the top of the National Premier League with a 4-2 victory over Birmingham City Ladies. The following night she played the full 90 minutes as England's Under 19 side played out a 1-1 draw with Holland. If Big Fat Sam or Steve MacLaren are reading, that's a busy schedule. The fixture list is a cause for concern in the ladies game and could do with some kind of better regulation. On a personal note it was disappointing to see the Doncaster Belles game with Leeds United Ladies moved to Thursday night as I was all set to cover it on the Sunday. There was no way I could get there midweek, however. The biggest problem in staging womens games in an orderly manner is the state of the pitches which mean postponements are a regular feature of the season. With the Premier League increasing in size next season the problem of fixture backlogs could become even greater. Should we qualify for the World Cup finals we would not want our players idle during the winter months and then playing three times a week at the end of the season. On the subject of durable young ladies Jill Scott grabbed England's equaliser against the Dutch only five days after being carried off playing for Sunderland with concussion. Elsewhere on Thursday Doncaster Belles battled out a goalless draw with Leeds United Ladies which ensures them of 4th place in the table, barring a miraculous run of form by Sunderland WFC. Leeds had the better of the first half while the Belles had chances to win it in the second when Emily Heckler, Julie Twaddle and Vicky Exley were all denied by Gemma Fay in the Leeds goal. It is certainly nice to see Doncaster back in the top half of the table after flirting with relegation last season. The Belles remain a reminder of the roots of womens football and are a side who have managed to maintain a place at the forefront of the game without the benefit of association with a leading mens club. Long may they continue to prosper. They have several young talents who will need to develop to safeguard the clubs' high profile. Having said that young talent is becoming increasingly widespread as the game continues to become more popular with girls. We will watch the Belles progress with interest next season but promise there will be no bias shown towards them despite the nice message we were recently sent by Emily Heckler's mum. Womens Football Review: Monday, April 1 Everything bar the weather is hotting up as the womens season draws to a close. Yesterday's results have set the scene for some real winner takes all clashes in the next couple of weeks. All three leading sides in the National Premier League won at the weekend to retain an interest in the title. Arsenal Ladies slaughtered Sunderland WFC 7-0. Excellent goalkeeping from Carly Telford was chiefly reaponsible for the Gunners holding only a one goal lead at half time. Time and time again the strength of Arsenal has seen them overwhelm sides in the second period and so it was again on Sunday. Jayne Ludlow had scored the first half goal and took her personal tally to four before being substituted. This was maybe to give Sunderland a rest rather than Ludlow. No such luck for the visitors. Kelly Smith than went up front and struck twice before Rachel Yankey rounded things off with the seventh. Charlton Athletic Ladies were made to work harder by Chelsea Ladies who were completing their fixture list. Charlton were always in command, however. Quick fire goals from Casey Stoney and Sarah Snare midway through the first half put Charlton in control and Eni Aluko ended all doubt with a third just before the break. The service from out wide of Jo Potter and Gemma Ritchie was too much for Chelsea to cope with. The first two goals came from corners and Aluko was set free by Potter for her goal. Chelsea had looked dangerous themselves and had two lively strikers in Ellen White and Katie Owen. Unfortunately for them Pauline Cope was in fine form again and White seemed to lose her nerve when released in the second half by Nicki de la Salle. De la Salle did pull a goal back late on from a disputed penalty but Aluko restored the three goal cushion right at the death, fastening onto a long Stoney through ball to lob home her second of the afternoon. Everton Ladies had the toughest test of all but came through to win 3-1 at Birmingham City Ladies. Birmingham showed once again that they can knock it around with some style but again they could not get the result they desired. Goals at either end of the first half by the full backs Rachel Unitt and Becky Easton saw Everton go in at the break leading despite a superb goal by Heather Scheuber. Both Everton's goals came from corners. Unitt rose above her marker and the keeper to head in from close range. Easton's approach was more stealth like, sneaking in at the back post to score with a stooping header. Ironically this was the second meeting of the sides in quick succession and Everton had also won the previous encounter 3-1 with Unitt and Easton both on target from corners. Easton is an unlikely set piece target which may explain the lack of marking. She evidently takes an Andy Gray type attitude to scoring as well. Either she thinks you can only score with headers from corners or she thinks they count double. Whatever the case she has two fine goals to her name and continues to be an inspiration. For her goal Scheuber showed fine control and strength in collecting a through ball from Karen Carney under pressure before volleying into Rachel Brown's top left hand corner in style. Danni Bird had also been unlucky to see a rasping drive rebound from the angle of post and bar. Despite continuing to compete well throughout the second half Birmingham's fate was sealed when Kelly McDougall made it 3-1. This was another excellent goal, Fara Williams lifting a delightful ball over the defence and McDougall lobbing precisely over Jo Fletcher. Everton could have had more as they finished strongly and Birmingham ended slightly demoralised. Next Sunday Everton visit Arsenal and Charlton then go there on the Thursday after. In the Northern section Liverpool Ladies draw at Nottingham Forest Ladies means that if Blackburn Rovers Ladies avoid defeat at Liverpool next Sunday then they will be crowned champions. In a game dominated by the weather Jade Thomas fired Liverpool into a half time lead only for Cath Lawson to equalise direct from a corner in the second half. Liverpool will be thankful that Tranmere Rovers Ladies also dropped points at home to Curzon Ashton Ladies in a 2-2 draw. The Reds could miss out on the play offs altogether if they cannot manage something from their games against Blackburn. In the South Watford Ladies overtook Cardiff City Ladies at the top after an exciting afternoon. Cardiff looked to be slipping to defeat at home to Millwall Lionesses. The Welsh side wasted a string of early chances and were punished when Kelly Campbell put the visitors ahead with a fierce low drive. Cardiff continued to press but found the visitors in determined mood. Caroline Cooper was unlucky when her free kick hit the bar but Campbell had the chance to seal victory on the break in the second half but could not deliver the killer blow. This allowed Cardiff to grab what could still be a crucial equaliser in the last minute. The source of this goal was hardly surprising. Jess Fishlock supplied the pass and Gwennan Harries provided the finish to keep their challenge going. Watford had looked in deep trouble when falling two goals behind away at West Ham Ladies after just half an hour. The magnificent Helen Lander had them back on terms by half time, however, and went on to complete her hat trick as Watford ran out 4-2 winners. Lander's best goal came direct from a free kick while Kathleen O'Toole grabbed the other goal. Still in with an outside chance of getting involved in the play off situation are Bristol City Ladies who recorded another win at AFC Wimbledon Ladies, 2-0. Kate Roberts and Charlotte King got the goals for City in a six minute spell in the second half. The game was notable for the sending off of sisters Carly and Gemma Hunt. Carly went for an elbow while Gemma received a red card after the final whistle for dissent. I wonder if it ever happened to the Neville's? Bristol City are away at Watford next Sunday and victory would open a way into promotion contention for them. Womens Football Review: Friday, April 7 Sunderland WFC recorded a vital win over Doncaster Belles on Wednesday, the immediate result of which is that Chelsea Ladies will definitely be involved in the relegation play offs at the end of the season. Sunderland certainly deserved their victory although it was a typically tense affair for the struggling side. Playing with the wind behind them in the first half Sunderland actually went in at half time trailing despite dominating the play. Vicky Exley scored right on half time with a header from Carla Cantrell's corner. Far from deflating the home side, however, this blow merely spurred them on to greater efforts and they roared into a 3-1 lead in the second half. Donna Lanaghan fired them level before Rachel Furness headed them into the lead when left unmarked at a free kick. Emma Bell made it 3-1 with a tap in after Catherine Beaver parried a point blank effort from Furness. Exley converted a penalty she won herself to set up a nervous finish and Sunderland were indebted to their goalkeeper Helen Alderson for saving at point blank range from Stacey Daniels after Cantrell had sliced open the defence right at the end. A massive result for the Black Cats who now face another huge game at the weekend when they travel to Birmigham City Ladies. Womens Football Review: Wednesday, April 12 Arsenal Ladies took another big step towards the Premier league title after overwhelming Everton Ladies on Sunday. Once again the Gunners caused carnage in the second half as the sides had gone in level at the break. Within minutes of the re-start, however, Arsenal had scored through Lianne Sanderson and Everton's combative midfielder Fara Williams had been sent off after collecting a second yellow card. Playing with ten against Arsenal is too much to ask, and the loss of Williams was the greatest single blow Everton could have received. Jayne Ludlow helped herself to two more goals as her purple patch continues, Kelly Smith got on the scoresheet and Sanderson got her second and Arsenal's fifth a minute from time. Rachel Unitt came closest for the visitors when forcing Emma Byrne into a fine late save but it was a day to forget in general for the Merseysiders. Arsenal will clinch the title tomorrow night if they defeat Charlton Ladies but in all honesty a draw will surely be enough. At the other end of the table Birmingham City Ladies scored a vital victory over Sunderland WFC which puts them in with an excellent chance of escaping the drop. Maz Ballard opened the scoring in the early stages with a sweet, curling shot from outside the area but despite dominating Birmingham found it difficult to kill off the contest. Karen Carney missed badly after being set up by the excellent Danni Bird. These two are just a couple of the players in the Birmingham side who it is hard to imagine being in a relegated team, however. Victory was assured when Marie Gauntlett got on the end of a Carney corner to score. Not much imagination needed for headlines where she's concerned. Fulham Ladies are now in deep peril along with Sunderland. In the Northern section Blackburn Rovers Ladies consolidated their dominant position with a well deserved point against their nearest challengers Liverpool Ladies. Liverpool gave a wholehearted display but were unable to create enough clear chances to really trouble Kay Hawke. Gill Hart had their best opportunity but could only scrape the top of the bar with her close range header. At the other end Nicky Davies was more regularly tested and distinguished herself with fine saves from Andrea Bell, Anisha Bateman and Katie Anderton, who was a constant menace. Lynda Shepherd also sent a close range shot over and Anderton skimmed the bar from a free kick. Towards the end Bell also saw an effort ruled out for offside although that would probably have been hard on Liverpool after their efforts. Liverpool are two points clear of Tranmere Rovers Ladies in the battle for second place and have to face both them and Blackburn again before the season is over. In the South Watford Ladies suffered a damaging defeat at home to Bristol City Ladies who came from two behind to win and look to be finishing better than anyone in that section. Goals either side of half time had seemingly put Watford in complete control. Miranda Hall belted a fine shot into the top corner before the break and Kathleen O'Toole doubled the lead with a header shortly after it. Angie Tinson showed good composure to put City back into the game and then two late goals gave them victory. Charlotte King fired home a splendid free kick to equalise and Holly Miles was the bravest at the death in getting on the end of another free kick to head home. City's late charge could yet see them involved in the promotion situation. Portsmouth Ladies seem to out of contention, however, after scraping a somewhat lucky point against lowly Langford LFC. Brooke Chaplen had put the Pompey girls ahead direct from a corner but it still needed an outrageous effort from miles out by Laura Froggatt to rescue a point.
Womens Football Review: Friday, April 14 Arsenal Ladies' 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic Ladies last night clinched their fifth Premier League title in six seasons. They are now long odds on to complete their third league and cup double in six seasons. The reason for this success is simple. The Arsenal Ladies side receives the best financial backing of any womens side, therefore they have the best players. Until other clubs start receiving similar support Arsenal will continue to dominate. Even then it would not be easy to dislodge the Gunners from their perch. Investment in the womens club has been sound, they have an outstanding academy in place which gives them the best chance of attracting the top young talent. Many players thriving at other Premier League clubs came through the ranks at Arsenal but were allowed to move on after not quite making the grade at senior level. Elsewhere they have flourished. This shows the size of the task facing clubs trying to compete with them. It also shows why Arsenal's investment in womens football is good news for the game. Although it is not ideal for one club to be so dominant it is up to other clubs to match the commitment to the womens game that Arsenal show. Charlton are the side nearest to the Gunners at present and they must be complimented for giving this season a competitive feel. They stopped Arsenal making off with a clean sweep by defeating them in the League Cup final and took them to the very last kick of extra time in the FA Cup semi final before falling. In truth their chances of pulling off a shock in the league went when they only came away with a draw from their home game with Arsenal back in October. That was the only game this season when Arsenal were ever outplayed for a spell. Charlton led 2-0 at half time but could have been out of sight. The Gunners got out of jail that night and were never likely to waste that fortune. The early exchanges of last nights encounter were predictably fierce and both keepers were tested quickly, Emma Byrne denying Maria Bertelli and Pauline Cope tipping a Jayne Ludlow header onto the top of the bar. Arsenal struck a killer blow midway through the half when Charlton were temporarily down to ten. Gemma Ritchie was off receiving treatment after a clash with Leanne Champ and Arsenal swept forward to score. Lianne Sanderson and Ludlow combined before the latter played in Kelly Smith who drilled a shot into the bottom corner from around the penalty spot. Charlton had a big penalty appeal turned down when Faye White seemed to take Michelle Hickmott out as she went for an Eni Aluko centre but it was Arsenal generally holding sway. Charlton somehow survived an onslaught which saw a Smith shot charged down, Rachel Yankey's follow up effort cannon off the bar and the rebound headed wide by Smith. Sarah Snare pulled an effort wide just before the interval but with Charlton needing a win to retain any realistic hope of the title they were facing a massive task in the second half. Despite Charlton's greater need it remained Arsenal calling the tune after the break. Pauline Cope saved from White who forced her way onto an Anita Asante chipped pass and Ciara Grant fired over from outside the area. Cope remained busy, showing the form which earned her the player of the month award for March. She has apparently been on a one woman mission to thwart Arsenal in recent weeks as well and if she does hang up her boots at the end of the season she will be a tough act to follow. She will also be badly missed as one of the genuine characters of the game. Truly set in the traditional "must be mad to be a keeper" image Cope is a non stop bundle of energy and enthusiasm. She also loves to bark at her defenders whenever the opportunity arises, there is no doubt that she knows what she's talking about when she does though. With the game entering its last quarter Charlton finally began to mount pressure on the Arsenal goal and with fifteen minutes remaining they were handed the chance to get back into the game. Aluko was adjudged to have been impeded as she burst into the box and Charlton had a penalty. Casey Stoney stepped forward to take the spot kick but saw Byrne parry her effort. For a moment the keeper was unaware of the balls' whereabouts but recovered just in time to smother. This setback did not end Charlton's challenge and Byrne, who has impressed in the run in, was called into action in quick succession by Amanda Barr and Dominique Sinclair-Chambers. On both occasions she was up to the test. With Charlton continuing to push forward Arsenal broke away to kill the contest with three minutes remaining. When they were awarded a free kick Smith took it quickly to release Yankey who scored despite the valiant attempt of Cope to save. Not just victory but the Premier League championship went to Arsenal Ladies and there can be no doubt that they are worthy champions. Congratulations to the girls and although manager Vic Akers played down talk of next seasons European competition it would be nice to think his team could mount a serious challenge on the continent. There was disappointing news for the England team in that Eniola Aluko will not be available to play in the upcoming qualifier against Austria because she is sitting exams. What a pity she has to be intelligent as well as a top striker. Hope Powell reacted to the news by drafting Birmingham's Laura Bassett into the squad. I've nothing against Bassett, who is a fine player, but she is a defender. Powell made her usual noises about the versatility of her squad which probably means that Alex Scott is going to get another run at centre forward. Basically it doesn't make sense playing someone up front for the national team who plays full back for their club. The only specialist strikers left in the squad are Jody Handley and Amanda Barr. My choice would be to go with Handley. It's imperative that Kelly Smith gets further forward than she did against France as well. I don't think that will prove a problem against the Austrians. Another option would be to play Smith up front and bring Vicky Exley into the attacking midfield role, or go 4-4-2 with Handley and Smith up front. I know I'm in danger of sounding like a broken record but why isn't Lianne Sanderson in the squad? She's good enough for Arsenal week in and week out. I doubt Jody Handley would command such a regular spot there and I'm absolutely certain that Amanda Barr wouldn't. Whilst the lack of true firepower might not be exposed against Austria it was against the French and would be if we do qualify for next years' finals. The game, being played at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium on Thursday April 20, is a must win game for England. Indeed the girls cannot really afford to drop any points ahead of their return in France. Obviously anyone in the Kent area should do their utmost to get to the game, especially as it does not look like this one is going to be shown on the BBC. I would expect a good crowd at the game, the area has a better feeling for the game than it is given credit for. I think the team will enjoy the backing they get on the night. Let's hope we can take another step towards those finals. Womens Football Review: Tuesday, April 18 It has been a long, hard season for both the men and the womens' teams at Birmingham City but at least the ladies will now be confident of avoiding the drop after finally moving out of the relegation zone with an excellent victory at home to Charlton Athletic Ladies. Dani Bird scored the only goal of the game with a clever lob in the first half and the Blues defended diligently after the break to secure a vital three points. Their remaining fixtures are against the two sides directly below them in the table, Sunderland WFC and Fulham Ladies, so there is still work to be done, however. Charlton's defeat also opened up the possibility of Everton Ladies clinching the runners up spot in the Premier League and they took full advantage of their rivals' slip by beating Sunderland 4-0. Jody Handley gave Everton an early lead before a second half brace from Fara Williams and a Kelly McDougall goal completed an emphatic win. Charlton still have to visit Everton for a game that will surely settle the argument one way or the other. The champions, Arsenal Ladies, were in relaxed mood on their visit to Doncaster Belles and helped treat the crowd to an entertaining encounter. The Belles took a second minute lead through Camilla Durrant and then fought tigerishly to preserve that advantage till half time. Yet again the Gunners proved too strong after the break, however, and hit back in style. Lianne Sanderson levelled before goals from Julie Fleeting and Rachel McArthur put the visitors in control. Doncaster were still fighting and pulled one back through substitute Emily Heckler. Any thoughts that this might lead to a grandstand finish were dashed as quick goals from Rachel Yankey and Kelly Smith saw Arsenal extend their lead. Vicky Exley's late effort left the final scoreline 3-5 in Arsenal's favour. The battle to win promotion to the Premier League is still ongoing after the Easter fixtures. Watford Ladies completed their fixture list with a 5-3 win away at Crystal Palace WFC to stay at the top of the Southern section. Helen Lander netted a hat trick to keep them in contention in a topsy turvy game before late goals from Miranda Hall and Sarah Chandler gave them victory. The Palace goals came from Chinwe Osuji, Mary Onianwa and Corinne Covington. Watford now have an anxious wait, however, as Cardiff City Ladies and Bristol City Ladies complete their fixtures. Cardiff's 2-1 win over Reading Royals leaves them a point behind Watford with AFC Wimbledon Ladies still to play. Bristol City's late charge continued as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Portsmouth Ladies. This was their 8th win on the bounce and with two matches against the bottom club Langford to come as well as one against fellow strugglers Southampton Saints they could yet pull off a remarkable promotion. Charley Wilson put Portsmouth ahead early on in this one with a shot from distance and Pompey were the better team in the opening half hour before Charlotte King equalised against the run of play with a quickly taken free kick. Then Darel Poole headed home an Angie Tinson corner to give City a half time lead. The visitors then dominated the second half and clinched victory when Tinson raced clear to round the keeper and score with eight minutes remaining. In the North Liverpool Ladies and Tranmere Rovers Ladies remain neck and neck behind Blackburn Rovers Ladies after narrow victories. Liverpool won at Aston Villa Ladies 1-0 thanks to a Danielle Sheen goal. Natalie Gibson had scared the visitors as Villa had the better of the early exchanges but Sheen found the target shortly before half time after taking advantage of a goalkeeping error. The second half was also tight. Liverpool had the better of it and looked particularly dangerous from their numerous corners. The second goal would not come and Villa almost made them pay when they had a goal disallowed for offside. The ball looked to be on its way into the net before it was headed in by the offside player. Tranmere also won by the only goal on their visit to Manchester City WFC, their goal coming from a Gemma Horner own goal. These two Merseyside rivals still have to meet in what will be a massive game. Womens Football Review: Thursday, April 20 Just a quick message of support to the England Ladies ahead of tonights qualifier against Austria at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium. There is no real room for slip ups in this one as anything but three points would leave the side with it all to do in their remaining three games. Goals have been a problem of late and the loss of Eniola Aluko because of her educational commitments is a big loss. The onus might well be on the midfielders to pop up with something tonight and fortunately we have one of the worlds' best in Kelly Smith. Fara Williams should also have plenty of scope for getting forward in support of the attack. Football England predicts a 3-0 victory for England to keep them in pole position for next years finals in China. Womens Football Review: Tuesday, April 25 There is little doubt that Blackburn Rovers Ladies will be competing in next seasons' National Premier League. Although they made heavy weather of beating a Middlesbrough side fighting for their lives at the foot of the table at the weekend they got there in the end. Their 1-0 victory leaves them just two points away from the Northern title. They remain undefeated in the league this season, a fantastic effort. Middlesbrough Ladies, however, now know that relegation is certain after Curzon Ashton got a point in their game against Manchester City Ladies. In the South Bristol City WFC are still on course for a remarkable promotion after recording their ninth successive win. The latest victory came at Langford LFC and was secured 2-0. Langford produced a battling display as they try to avoid relegation and were unlucky not to open the scoring early on when they hit a post. Gradually City got on top, however, and Verity Crook in the Langford goal was pressed into consistent action. The pressure told on thirty four minutes when Angie Tinson glanced home a header from a corner. Langford pressed forward again at the start of the second half and Laura Niblett was the busier of the two keepers. Lesley Seaman came closest to an equaliser but saw her effort drift just wide. The visitors weathered this storm and ended the game in complete control, however. Crook conceded a penalty by bringing down Helen Bleazard as she bore down on goal and Holly Miles confirmed victory by putting away the spot kick. More goals could have followed as City finished strongly but that would have been hard on a gallant Langford. There was further bad news for Langford with Brighton Ladies enjoying victory over AFC Wimbledon Ladies, a result which saw them move off the bottom at Langford's expense. These sides still have to play each other. Womens Football Review: Thursday, April 27 A busy Bank Holiday weekend is in prospect in the womens game and the important games got under way early as Liverpool Ladies took on Tranmere Rovers Ladies in the Northern section last night. It was a chance for Tranmere to put real pressure on their illustrious neighbours. A win would have made them favourites for the runners up spot, a draw would have left them still in the hunt. As it was, however, Liverpool controlled the game for long periods and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. Despite Tranmere's late rally which has seen them closing the gap on Liverpool, while they were distracted by their journey to the FA Cup semi finals, it would be hard to deny the Reds their shot at promotion through the play offs. Although they can still mathematically catch Blackburn Rovers Ladies that is surely the route they are going to have to take to secure Premier League football next season. Jo Edwards got Liverpool off to a great start when she finished a fine move involving Gill Hart and Jade Thomas. Their dominance was then emphasised when Jackie Bertie smashed an instinctive drive into the roof of the net from 25 yards. Tranmere came out in determined mood for the second half but despite mounting early pressure their resistance was broken when Thomas made it three on the hour mark. There are important games at either end of the Premier League table on Sunday. The clash between Everton Ladies and Charlton Athletic Ladies will go a long way towards determining who finishes as runners up behind Arsenal Ladies while at the bottom Sunderland WFC are in desperate need of a result against Birmingham City Ladies. If Birmingham avoid defeat in that one then they must surely be safe. In the Southern section Watford Ladies will be keeping their fingers crossed that either Bristol City WFC or Cardiff City Ladies slip up in their games against struggling opposition. Bristol City entertain Langford Ladies while Cardiff host AFC Wimbledon Ladies on the Monday. It looks like being a long and cruel weekend for the Hornets. Of course the weekend is crowned by the WFA Cup final on Monday. This is the showpiece event of the womens football calendar, attracting big crowds and live television coverage. Unfortunately I have yet to watch one that I have truly enjoyed and the omens are not great for this years' game. Although I can recall some fine play and outstanding individual performances the recent finals have been too one sided to make great viewing. Rachel Yankey stole the show a few years ago as Fulham battered Charlton Athletic and a year later Julie Fleeting was awesome as Arsenal despatched the same opposition. Last years game was admittedly much tighter but Everton, despite being resolute, barely threatened the Charlton goal and an Eniola Aluko goal was enough to give the Addicks the trophy. This year we have first time finalists Leeds United taking on the mighty Arsenal. It can only be hoped that Leeds are capable of making a real game of this one. They have certainly turned in some fine performances to make it to the final. They had to knock out three Premier League opponents, Doncaster Belles, Everton and Birmingham City, before easing past Liverpool in the last four. Arsenal are another matter altogether, however. Although Leeds can count on the experience of Karen Walker and Sue Smith they have nowhere near the big match experience of Arsenal and no side in the domestic game can boast such an array of potential matchwinners. Fleeting, Sanderson, Yankey, Smith and Ludlow are all more than capable of making the difference in a tight game. If a few of them are on song together then, quite simply, it is not likely to be a close game. Leeds can draw some comfort from their league encounters this season. Although they went down 4-1 at home to Arsenal the game was close at half time and they were actually two goals up at Arsenal last August with over an hour gone, only to lose 4-3. An even greater effort will be required to stretch the Gunners on Monday, however. Hopefully I will be proved wrong and Leeds make it a final to remember, win or lose, and the game provides a fine advertisement for womens football. I remain sceptical, however. *The final is being played at Millwall's New Den Stadium and kicks off at 1pm on Monday, May 1st.*
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