Arsenal Ladies began their quest for a record ninth League Cup
with a comfortable 4-1 victory against Doncaster Rovers Belles on
Sunday.
Julie Fleeting grabbed a hat-trick for Vic Akers' side and
Rachel Yankey was also on target as Arsenal set up a clash with
Birmingham City.
Fleeting got the Ladies off to a flying start with two goals in
the first five minutes. On both occasions the Scotland captain
finished confidently when one-on-one with the Belles goalkeeper
after latching onto a precise through ball.
The Belles were thrown a lifeline in the 28th minute when Mary
Phillip handled inside the area. The penalty was converted but
Arsenal regrouped and re-established a two-goal cushion three
minutes into the second half when Yankey struck from the left-hand
side of the box.
Doncaster continued to work hard and pushed the Arsenal defence
back at times. Vicky Exley was unlucky when her shot cannoned off
the crossbar, but that was as close as the Belles came to reducing
the deficit again.
There was one more goal at the other end. Fleeting finished the
game as she started it with another brilliant finish three minutes
from time, beating the keeper and rolling the ball into the net to
complete her hat-trick.
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