In the most intriguing conclusion there has ever been to a Premier League season, everything will now rest on the meeting of third in the table Fulham and second-placed Arsenal on a date yet to be set.

Whoever wins the match, which is to be played at Arsenal, will pip current leaders Charlton Athletic to the title by a single point – but if the match is drawn then Charlton will collect the championship for the first time.

Reigning champions Fulham kept alive their chances of retaining the title thanks to a winner from England winger Rachel Yankey after Birmingham’s Vicky Gallagher had equalised Tammy Waine’s early strike for the Cottagers.

Fulham manager Marieanne Spacey said: "It was a nervy game for us, but we came through and although Birmingham made us work very hard for the points it was a well deserved win.

"It’s set up a fantastic end to the season and I think that’s great for the women’s game. People said we were out of it when we lost at home to Charlton, but we’ve won every game since and now we aim to finish on a high with another League championship."

While Fulham were taking the National Division title to the wire Bristol City were clinching promotion from the Southern Division to the top flight with a 6-0 win against Wimbledon in their last game of the campaign.

The nerves which have obviously affected the Robins in the title run-in – they had taken only two points from their previous three matches – were swept aside as they conclusively beat the Dons to take the title by a point from Southampton Saints.

Charlotte King, the division’s leading goalscorer, struck twice to take her season’s tally to 22 and there was a goal apiece from Michelle Munro, Katy Little, Angie Tinson and Heidi Bevan.

At the other end of the table second from bottom Merthyr Tydfil lost 2-1 at Ipswich Town but can still save themselves from relegation – if they draw at third- bottom Enfield Town in their last match then Enfield will go down along with Barnet.

The FA Women's Cup Final between Arsenal and Charlton Athletic will kick-off at 1pm tomorrow (3 May 2004) at Loftus Road. The match will be screened live on BBC TV. For information on ticketing plus all the latest news and views click here.