4th May 2009 Womens Fa Cup Final - Arsenal 2 v 1 Sunderland

I have just finished watching the Women’s Fa Cup Final between Arsenal and Sunderland.
Firstly another great attendance of 23,291 turned up at Pride Park, Derby to watch the game. Which always great news for the women’s game.
I have to admit I expected Northern Division side Sunderland to struggle playing against Premier League and Fa Cup holders Arsenal, but I was pleasently suprised with a great fight from both teams.
The Sunderland keeper Helen Alderson was unlucky to conceed the goal after not managing to hold onto the ball from an initial shot from Davison that rebounded out to Katie Chapman who scored the first goal in the 32nd minute and they went into half time a goal down.
Second half continued to be a great game with lots of effort from both teams, an injury to Sunderland player Sophie Williams where after the initial challenge the forward apparently suffered a minor fit or seizure meant the game had to be stopped for about 5 or 6 mins whilst she was treated and stretchered off the field. Williams is reported to be ok.
Arsenal got their second goal right in the 92nd minute of the game with a great turn and finish from Kim Little.
A consolation goal came from Kelly McDougall in the last minute of the game, a deserved goal I feel and one that got the biggest applause of the game.

Player of the match went to: Sunderland’s Lucy Bronze.

Arsenal: Emma Byrne, Jayne Ludlow (C), Laura Bassett, Gilly Flaherty, Ciara Grant, Suzanne Grant, Rachel Yankey, Gemma Davison, Kim Little, Katie Chapman, Niamh Fahey.

Manager – Vic Akers

Sunderland: Helen Alderson, Lucy Bronze, Sophie Halliday, Stephanie Bannon (C), Vicki Greenwell, Lucy Staniforth, Jordan Nobbs, Kelly McDougall, Demi Stokes, Sophie Williams, Natalie Gutteridge.

Manager – Mick Mulhern

Referee Alexandra Ihringova
Assistant Referees Emma Everson & Sarah Garratt
Fourth Official Sian Massey