Arsenal moved to within three points of their fifth successive
Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Bristol Academy.
Bristol showed some good defensive organisation in the first
half to frustrate Arsenal and make it difficult for them to play
their passing game. However Arsenal's superior possession paid
off just before the interval.
After making several penetrating runs in off the left flank
throughout the half, Karen Carney was fouled in the box. Kelly
Smith coolly stepped up to convert the penalty in the 44th minute
to make it 1-0.
After the interval Arsenal continued to enjoy the lion's
share of possession but were unable to make the final pass tell.
They went close when Jayne Ludlow headed onto the bar from a Carney
corner.
It wasn't until the 75th minute that Arsenal persistence
paid off and sealed the win, as Rachel Yankey, on as a substitute,
scored at the far post after Smith's mazy run and cross from
the right flank.
Elsewhere Everton were held to a 2-2 draw against Birmingham.
That means Arsenal can secure another title at Emirates Stadium on
Thursday, April 24 if they beat Chelsea in front of a sell-out
crowd of just over 5,000.
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