Camden New Journal - Sports: Arsenal Ladies

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Camden New Journal - by CATHERINE ETOE
Published: 26 April 2007

Julie Fleeting skips past Umea defender Johanna Frisk

Alex edges Arsenal win

Clarion call to Gooner Army as Gunner Girls steal Swedish victory

Women’s Football
Uefa Cup Final First Leg
Umea 0, Arsenal 1

DIE-hard Gooner fans are being urged to turn out in their droves to cheer on their Ladies team this Sunday as Arsenal chase the third of a historic quadruple of titles.
A 90th-minute wonder goal from defender Alex Scott silenced thousands of home fans on Saturday and saw underdogs Arsenal nick an unexpected away leg cup final victory over Europe’s number one ranked team, Umea.
The Gunners followed that hard fought win with an emphatic 5-1 romp over Chelsea in west London just over 72 hours later that sealed their fourth League title in as many years.
And on Sunday, Arsenal will bid to add the Uefa Cup to this season’s League and League Cup tally by seeing off Umea’s professionals again - this time on home turf.
With the Swedish champions and two times Uefa Cup victors Umea nursing damaged pride, it is still a tough ask for manager Vic Akers’ tight knit band of semi-professionals.
But the team insist that with enough support behind them at Boreham Wood FC’s Meadow Park, they can become the first English team to get their hands on the prestigious trophy.
Arsenal winger and former Hampstead School pupil Rachel Yankey told the New Journal: “We knew we wanted an away goal and we got it and it’s one game to go, we’re very excited.
“Now we’ve learnt a bit more about them and what to expect and if we can get a big crowd at Boreham Wood and make it intimidating, then that can play to our advantage.”
Ahead of the first leg, Umea were the side who looked to possess all the advantages, what with a fine pedigree in this competition coupled with a roster that features World Player of the Year Marta and Swedish international Hanna Ljungberg.
But Arsenal, who are coached by the former Parliament Hill School pupil Emma Hayes, feature Scotland skipper Julie Fleeting, Wales captain Jayne Ludlow and seven England first teamers and Umea know their opponents will go into the tie with all guns blazing.
Swedish star Ljungberg told the New Journal: “It’s going to be hard for us in London but we are going to do everything we can, we have to focus.”
Kick-off on Sunday (April 29) is midday and tickets are still on sale at www.arsenal.com with prices at £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and OAPs.

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