Forest actually started the game with an optimistic verve that took Arsenal by surprise and Forest were given the first opportunity to test Emma Byrne with a shot by 15 year old Reanne Thomas.

It took only seven minutes for Arsenal to register their first goal on the break as Leanne Sanderson’s shot bounced over the line to the dismay of the Forest defence and Katie Chapman took advantage three minutes later to double Arsenal's lead.

Forest battled their way back into the game with some impressive football in and captain Catherine Lawson drove the team forward alongside Sophie Krivinskas and Anne Poulin to battle the formidable midfield of Arsenal’s Smith, Assante and Chapman. Forest held the score at 2-0 for 16 minutes until Kelly Smith turned and drove a low shot to convert on 26 minutes. 

Sanderson hit home her second on 35 minutes with a killer strike and showed too much respect for Sanderson’s third as she was gifted far too much time on the ball to convert her hat trick on 39 minutes.

In the second half, Arsenal exploited Forest’s weakness on the flanks as both Rachel Yankey and Gemma Davison twisted and turned Forest’s full backs,  resulting with a goal from Katie Chapman on 59 minutes. Forest heads started to dip as Rachel Yankey provided the goal of the game on 65 minutes after an individual mazy run and driving lob shot beat the 'keeper from 25 yards.

Sian Larkin benefitted from her own driving run by striking a low shot into the Forest net on 70 minutes and despite a late rally from Forest, Kelly Smith was gifted her second, sprinting through to capitalise on a weak backpass on 86 minutes.

The game ended 9-0 and Forest Manager Lisa Dawkins said: “Personally this is the worst defeat of my competitive career as both a player and a manager. No-one can deny that Arsenal are an unbelievable side right now with strength, depth and ability in abundance. 

"I have to give my players some credit as they gave it everything but Arsenal exploited our weaknesses and we were given a harsh lesson in professionalism. We did have 3 key players unavailable today in influential positions which I do believe made a difference, but I don’t want to take it away from the players who wore the Forest shirt and noone can fault their effort and spirit."

Semi Final – Sunday 10 December 2006

Charlton Athletic v Leeds United
Arsenal v Chelsea