Arsenal v Charlton Athletic
FA Women's Community Shield
National Hockey Stadium, Milton Keynes
04 August 2005, 7.45pm

As midfielder Rachel McArthur begins her Arsenal career, Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Pauline Cope will be starting the countdown to retirement when the clubs meet in Thursday evening’s FA Women’s Community Shield at Milton Keynes.

Former Fulham and Bristol City star McArthur will be aiming to give the 36 year-old keeper a miserable start to her final season by reviving goalscoring heroics against the Addicks and helping Arsenal avenge last year’s Community Shield defeat.

Twelve months ago Charlton came out 1-0 on top in the annual curtain raiser to the FA Nationwide Women’s Premier League season.

Now the country’s top two women’s clubs are set for a re-match after Arsenal yet again won the League while the Addicks lifted the FA Women’s Cup.

And midfield sharpshooter McArthur, who as a Fulham player famously hit a hat-trick to sink Charlton in a big match at The Valley, is hoping to kick off her Arsenal career on a scoring as well as a winning note.

"I love getting forward and scoring goals," she said, "and it would be great to put one past Copey to help us win on Thursday.

"I’ve got a few goals against Charlton in the past and against Arsenal too, so after not getting many for Bristol City last season it would be tremendous to hit the net first time out for my new team.

"The most important thing is to win the game though, and if I can perform well and we end up with the first trophy of the season that would be a great start for me."

Bristolian McArthur last season had the double disappointment of seeing her home town club relegated from the top flight and then missing out on selection for the England squad that contested Women’s Euro 2005.

But as she looks to kick-start her club career and force herself back into England contention, she will on Thursday be up against a woman with a mission in the Charlton goal.

Ex-England keeper Cope said: "Rachel’s a quality player and a proven goal scorer, but I’ll be out to keep a clean sheet on Thursday and help us to victory.

"I’d trade that for us winning the League, though. I’ve won the Premier League Cup and the FA Cup with Charlton, the best club I’ve ever been at, but I want to finish my career with us as League champions."

The match kicks off at 7.45pm. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions and can be purchased by calling the ticket hotline on 01908 609000 or by visiting the ticket office at the National Hockey Stadium.

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