Cup glory for Arsenal ladies

Cup glory for Arsenal ladies

Published May. 21, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

The Gunners had lost out to Everton in extra-time in last year's final, but they put that heartache behind them to secure an 11th success in the competition. First-time finalists Bristol had made a lively start at the Ricoh Arena as they looked to pressure their heavily-fancied opponents. Anouk Hoogendijk headed wide from an early corner for them but Arsenal soon rammed home their superiority as, after Ellen White had a shot blocked and Jordan Nobbs volleyed over, Little fired them ahead in the 19th minute. The impressive Scottish midfielder received the ball on the edge of the Bristol box before nutmegging one defender and beating another to slot home. Fleeting had a shot blocked but the striker then doubled the lead after 32 minutes. Full-back Niamh Fahey got forward down the left and her cross allowed the striker to head home. Bristol sought a response after the break, although Arsenal remained in control of the contest, and they came within inches of getting a goal back as Helen Bleazard's free-kick came back off the bar. Little had a late chance to grab her second goal but Siobhan Chamberlain saved well from close range.

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