The FA Nationwide Women's Premier League Cup Final
3pm, 05 March 2006
Wycombe Wanderers FC

11 December 2005
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Charlton: Highlights

Watch all the action from a thrilling semi-final that saw Charlton progress to the final with a 2-0 win.

The two heavyweights of the women’s game will slug it out for this season’s first piece of silverware on Sunday.

Holders Arsenal and London rivals Charlton, the two best teams in the country, go head-to-head at Wycombe Wanderers’ Causeway Stadium in a repeat of last year’s final, which Arsenal comfortably won 3-0.

At stake is The FA Women’s Premier League Cup, but it would be foolish to suggest there is little other than a trophy riding on the outcome. Both unbeaten in the league this season, Arsenal have the psychological advantage of last year’s final victory.

But Charlton are a different side since that disappointing afternoon at Griffin Park and were unfortunate not to beat the Gunners when the two teams met earlier this season, a dramatic 3-3 draw the result of a wonderful game. Arsenal, an indomitable force with four Women’s Premier League triumphs in the last five years, will be keen to retain the trophy.

However, Charlton are rightful pretenders to the throne and a victory could help them as they push for their first league title.

With England internationals throughout the side, from captain Casey Stoney at the back to the sprightly forward Eni Aluko up front, Charlton have the tools to succeed. Arsenal captain Faye White picked out teenage prodigy Aluko as one to watch.

"She has lightening pace," warned the Arsenal captain. "They have a good threat through the spine - they have Katie Chapman in midfield and Maz Bertelli."

White has fond memories of last year’s final, scoring twice – one a terrific 30 yard effort. "I don't know how the hell that happened," she joked. "You can't stop goals like that," said Charlton skipper Stoney.

"It was a fantastic finish. They [Arsenal] are capable of getting goals from everywhere. We are going to have to concentrate for the 90 minutes and rise to the challenge."

Stoney and White often line-up in the same England defence, but any friendship will be placed to one side for 90 minutes.

"We have the players with the ability to win games," added the Charlton skipper. "We have underperformed in cup finals in the last few years, we know that.

"We have beaten them a few times in the last few years, unfortunately not when it counts. It would be huge if we won. I would love to win it."

White respects Charlton but had some ominous words for the Addicks.

"We have a good track record in finals. We have never lost in a cup final since I have been here.

"It's a cup final - You want to play in cup finals. People remember teams who play in cup finals. We want to make sure the Arsenal flag is flying high," she said.