Bradley wants flying start

Leeds United v Arsenal
The FA Women's Premier League Cup Final
2.30pm, Sunday 4 March 2007
Glanford Park, Scunthorpe United FC

Leeds United's highly rated young defender Sophie Bradley says that the Yorkshire club must come flying out of the blocks if they are to defeat the Gunners on Sunday.

While Sophie only joined Leeds in the summer of last year, her teammates still have the memory of a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in The FA Women's Cup Final last April - and are desperate for revenge.

Sophie told TheFA.com: "We've got to be right on our game from the very start, the first 15 minutes really count and that was proven in last season's FA Women's Cup Final between Arsenal and Leeds.

"I was watching the game on TV and I remember that Arsenal got the early goal and it seemed to really affect Leeds' confidence, so hopefully we won't let that happen this time.

"I think we need to aim to get the first goal and then see what happens after that, the first goal is really vital in any big game. If we all play well and help each other then I think we'll be able to really test them."

In recent years Sophie has become a regular feature in the youth teams for England, and that made her a sought after prospect last summer.

One of the factors in joining Leeds United from Nottingham Forest was their continued progress, as demonstrated by their first appearance in The FA Women's Cup Final.

But Sophie admits it boiled down to a gut decision, and that she got a strong sense from Leeds that they wanted her to play for them.

"I knew a lot of the Leeds' girls through playing for England youth teams so when they asked me if I wanted to play for them I though I'd give it a go.

"Everyone was really welcoming and helpful, I really felt that they wanted me to play for them so that obviously influenced my decision.

"The season has gone really well for me and it's always nice to hear good feedback on your performances and how you are progressing, but you always have to keep working hard and doing as much as you can every day."