Arsenal aces get wider acclaim

Arsenal LFC manager Vic Akers had no time to celebrate the UEFA Women's Cup final defeat of Umeå IK as he headed straight to the Arsenal Stadium to resume his duties as the men's team’s kit man.

European first
Akers founded the women's branch of the north London club 20 years, and was delighted to see the Gunners lift their first European trophy after a 1-0 aggregate defeat of the Swedish champions in the two-legged final. Rather than toast the success at Meadow Park with his squad, however, the 60-year-old was driven to the Emirates Stadium in time for the Premiership match against Fulham FC.

Half-time display
He was joined by his captain Jayne Ludlow and central defender Anita Asante, with the trio displaying the trophy at half-time to rapturous applause before Arsenal's men went on to win 3-1. Akers said: "Arsène [Wenger] and the boys are delighted for us. I've had a text message from them and they're looking forward to congratulating us." A formal reception will follow next Sunday ahead of Arsenal's final home league match of the season, when Chelsea FC are the visitors.