The Arsenal women's team secured a historic quadruple by beating Charlton FC, 4-1 in the FA Cup Final. Having battled to win both the UEFA Cup and Premier League Cup by a narrow 1-0 margin, Arsenal showed off their attacking play, cruising to a 4-1 win against Charlton Women.

A cup upset was on the cards after a 7th minute Katie Holtham goal for Charlton, but Arsenal turned the tables to come back in true attacking style. Kelly Smith and Jayne Ludlow each grabed a brace to entertain the record crowd of 24,529.

An elated Smith told theFA.com: "It was a great big disappointment to miss that game, and it was completely my own fault. So I wanted to step up today and help the team lift this trophy, it wasn't just me out there it was all the players rising to the occasion."

"It has been a long hard season and there were some heavy legs out there, it is hard being unbeaten as you know that everyone is out to get you and you have to raise your game everytime you step on the field."I think today it was a great atmosphere and the fans really got behind us, and once we got the fourth goal I think that killed the game off."

Full match reports appear in:

• LEGEND LADIES - Daily Mirror
• Arsenal 4 - 1 Charlton - Guardian Unlimited
• Dominant Arsenal take a quadruple leap into history - Times Online
• Arsenal do the quadruple - Channel 4 News, UK
• Arsenal complete historic quadruple - Setanta Sports
• Akers to stay on as Arsenal coach - BBC Sport
• Arsenal complete unique quadruple - uefa.com

Image courtesy of theFA.com.

Labels: arsenal, cup competitions, football

The Arsenal women's team made history to become the first British team to secure the UEFA Cup. A packed crowd at Meadow Park saw them valiantly defend their first leg lead, courtesy of a goal from Alex Scott (youtube link). Arsenal rode their luck at times, but kept true to the famous Arsenal chant to win the cup 1-0 on aggregate.

Full match reports and comments are available via:

• The Guardian - Why Arsenal's success is great news for England and Arsenal hang on for Uefa triumph
• ITN - Arsenal Ladies are European champions
• UEFA.com - Akers enjoys finest hour
• Channel 4 - Arsenal Ladies are European champions
• BBC Sport - Akers praises 'precious' victory
• Goal.com - Arsenal Ladies Conquer Europe

This is their 3rd successive trophy this year - having already won the Premier League and the League Cup - and they have the chance to complete their dominance by winning The FA Cup. The game against Charlton, which looks set to be played in-front of a record crowd at The City Ground, will be shown on BBC One at 1240 on 7th May. If you fancy joining the masses, call 0871 226 1980 or book via www.nottinghamforest.co.uk.

Our thanks go to Arsenal.com for the image.

Labels: arsenal, media coverage, team sport, uefa cup final

Arsenal defender, Alex Scott, scored a last minute goal to give 'the Arsenal' an away goal advantage in the first leg of the UEFA Cup final. Umeå, who are in their fourth final in six years, were frustrated by an excellent defensive performance from goalkeeper, Emma Byrne, and her back line, led by Anita Asante. They showed their progression to a true European force, despite the suspension of kelly Smith, to deny Umeå who previously scored 11 goals in the quarter and semi-final legs of the competition.

To prove the point about the lack of media coverage of women's sport, your choice of media coverage is restricted to:

• UEFA.com's report.
• Arsenal.com's match report
• BBC's match report
• The Observer's match report

The second leg will be broadcast on Eurosport on 29 April at 12pm. There are now only standing tickets available for the Arsenal women's second leg game - so you can try your luck getting tickets for the game being hosted by Boreham Wood FC.

Our thanks go to Arsenal.com for the image.

Labels: arsenal, team sport, uefa cup final