Camden New Journal - Sports: Arsenal Ladies

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Camden New Journal - by CATHERINE ETOE
Published:10 May 2007

former Parliament Hill School pupil Emma Hayes and skipper Jayne Ludlow with the FA Cup

It’s cups galore for epic Gunner Girls

Women’s FA Cup Final
Arsenal 4, Charlton 1
Premier League
Arsenal 3, Everton 2

HISTORY was made in the stands and on the pitch on Monday as Arsenal clinched the quadruple in front of a record FA Cup crowd.
What had begun in Scunthorpe back in March when Arsenal lifted the League Cup, was completed this week when the Gunners overcame rivals Charlton at a packed Nottingham Forest ground to lift the FA Cup.
Along the way, Arsenal have beaten the number one team in Europe to win the Uefa Cup and have overcome the best teams in England to lift the League title.
Yesterday (Wednesday) behind closed doors at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunner Girls were presented with the victorius fruits of an epic season. It was a tally that has never been matched in the women’s game and brings the club’s total of major titles to 27 in its 20-year history.
“Their success encourages every young girl in the country but it’s almost impossible for the rest of us to match them,” said Addicks boss Keith Boanas after his team had succumbed to a side boasting eight England regulars and the captains of Scotland and Wales.
Charlton rocked the all-star Gunners cast within a minute of the opening whistle when England under-21s midfielder Katie Holtham tucked away an early goal.
But former USA women’s league professional Kelly Smith inspired Arsenal’s comeback and both she and skipper Jayne Ludlow bagged a brace to retain the trophy for the north London side.
Smith said: “It’s hard going unbeaten, knowing everyone is out to get you.
“You have to raise your game every time you step out on the field.”
And Arsenal had to raise their game again at the Emirates yesterday when Smith bagged a last gasp winner against Everton.
Rachel Unitt and Jill Scott had earlier cancelled out goals from Lianne Sanderson and Smith.

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