Triumphant Arsenal toast cup success

Arsenal LFC lifted the FA Women's Cup for the fourth year in succession after clinching a narrow 2-1 victory over Sunderland WFC at Pride Park.

Late goals
Katie Chapman opened the scoring for 2008/09 UEFA Women's Cup quarter-finalists Arsenal in Derby just after the half-hour mark, but they were given a severe test by their opponents before Kim Little doubled their lead in injury time. Still Sunderland refused to lie down and they earned some reward for their efforts when Kelly McDougall struck with the last kick of the game, yet ultimately the day belonged to the 2007 European champions and their manager Vic Akers, who is set to step down at the end of the season after 22 years in charge since the side were founded in 1987 and was in charge of the team for the last time.

Arsenal pressure
This was the 31st major trophy the former defender has overseen as well Arsenal's tenth win in ten FA Women's Cup finals, and it was witnessed by over 23,000 spectators in Derby, who saw the Londoners dominate the early stages and threaten to break the deadlock when Suzanne Grant shot wide. Jordan Nobbs and Sophie Williams responded with efforts at the other end, but Arsenal were soon threatening again and finally found a way past goalkeeper Helen Alderson when Chapman pounced after Alderson had failed to hold a Gemma Davison shot.

League mission
Sunderland's No1 atoned for that slip with a good save from substitute Helen Lander in the second half and Sunderland held out impressively until Little settled the contest from close range at the death. Michael Mulhern's team merited a goal for their efforts, however, and finally got it through McDougall. The mission now for Arsenal will be to add a sixth straight league title to their collection, but for that to happen they will probably need to defeat rivals Everton LFC at Widnes on 10 May in their final fixture. Already assured of a top-two finish, both have qualified for the inaugural UEFA Women's Champions League next term with the eventual English titlewinners to be excused the qualifying round.

Akers will not be on the bench against Everton due to his duties as Arsenal FC kit manager, and said:  "It'll be very difficult after 20-odd years," added Akers. "It's a sad situation and it's only just starting to kick in now, that's the last time I will be in the dugout. Arsenal Football Club have made this possible, we've been fortunate to be have been backed by a major team." Chapman added: "He's been an inspiration to the club. Vic has brought some fantastic players here over the years. There's always been a real togetherness about us."