Arsenal Ladies are through to the Final of the Women's
Premier League Cup following their 2-0 win over Everton.
Jayne Ludlow gave the Gunners the lead after 40 minutes
following a superb solo run by England star Kelly Smith.
Smith then forced Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown into two
second-half saves as the Gunners began to take control of
proceedings.
Scotland international Julie Fleeting secured the win eight
minutes from time for Vic Akers' side.
The Gunners will face Charlton Athletic in a repeat of
last year's final after the Addicks defeated Doncaster Rovers
Belles 2-0 in the other Semi-Final.
It will be Arsenal's tenth Final appearance in 15 seasons
and manager Akers was full of praise for Smith after the win.
"If she was a male footballer she would be earning pots of
money," he said.
"She's got a bit of Thierry Henry in her game, a bit of
Wayne Rooney - she's got everything that anybody could possibly
want in a player.
"Playing at Euro 2005 did her no favours in terms of her
fitness and we were without her for the early part of the season.
We've tried to build her up gradually and used her sparingly in
games but she's come on massively just recently and she's
looking a real force again.
"We want her to be fully fit for the second half of the
season and, if she can achieve that, then it will be a big help to
England in their World Cup qualifying campaign as well as to
ourselves."
Arsenal turn their attentions back to the League this Sunday,
December 18, when they welcome Bristol Rovers to Borehamwood FC,
Kick-off 2pm, for their final match before the two week Christmas
Break. Admission £2 Adults and £1 Concessions.
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