Hotshot striker Angie Banks met with Fulham's England midfielder Rachel McArthur just days before the sides are due to take to the County Ground pitch for The FA Nationwide Premier League Cup Final - the first major cup final in the women's football calendar.

The giants of the women's game have met twice this season, with professionals Fulham taking honours on both occasions. But Arsenal, in their first season as semi-pros, have given them a tough battle - taking them to penalties in The FA Community Shield in August 2002 and then narrowly losing 2-1 at home in the women's top flight.

Rachel McArthur, 25, who hails from nearby Bristol, said: "Fulham and Arsenal are the top teams in the country and like all our recent meetings, I think there will be just one goal in it. We went through a rough patch earlier this year where we weren't scoring enough and we had a few injuries, but we’re back on form now and looking forward to playing Arsenal.

"I'm from the West Country and I know how much people around there love their football, so I hope a good crowd turns out to see us play. I'd like to encourage football fans who haven't watched women's football before to come along to see what all the excitement is about."

 
The girls visited Cup title sponsors Nationwide's offices in Swindon to meet staff, who were able to buy tickets to the game. TV presenter Lisa Rogers and Swindon Town left-back Kevin Halliday were also on hand to help promote the Final.

"The one regret that I have is that I didn't play football when I was a young girl," said Lisa Rogers.

"It's great to hear that football is now the top female sport and it was great to meet the girls ahead of this big match, although being an Arsenal fan I must admit I'll be cheering on the Gunners Ladies. I'm sure the fans going along to the game can expect to see an entertaining game of football."

The match will kick-off at 2.15pm and will be televised live on Sky Sports 1. Tickets are now on sale for the match, priced at £3 for adult and £1 for concessions in advance (£5/£1 on the gate).

A special family ticket is available in advance, priced at £5 for two adults and two children from the Swindon Town ticket hotline on 01793 333777.