Arsenal

3-0

Everton

Smith 23, Chapman 31, Davison 90

 


The FA Women's Community Shield
Gresty Road, Crewe Alexandra
8.05pm, 02 August 2006
Live on Sky Sports

The Double-winners Arsenal started the season as the finished the last, with the goalscoring touch of Kelly Smith leading them towards yet more silverware and victory over last season's closest placed side Everton.

With two goals in the first period Arsenal never looked in danger as they retained The FA Community Shield and issued their intent to remain number one in Women's Football in England.

Kelly Smith tested Danielle Hill after ten minutes with a looping left-footed effort from all of 25 yards with a taste of things to come. Everton's new number one for the evening was equal to the strike and turned the ball round the post for a corner.

Five minutes later a chance was presented to Katie Chapman after a mix up in the Everton defence, although Arsenal's new signing was unable to open her account despite having an unguarded goal at her mercy.

Everton struck back with a fine move down the right flank that culminated in a Jody Handley half-volley that dipped just over Emma Byrne's crossbar in the Arsenal goal.

Last season's Premier League top scorer Kelly Smith struck the first blow on 23 minutes with a tremendous effort from more than 30 yards, the power and accuracy proving too much for Hill who was caught off her line.

Arsenal almost doubled their lead just moments later in dramatic fashion, first Rachel Yankey struck the inside of the post before Jayne Ludlow followed up to crash the ball against the woodwork for a second time in the same move.

Five minutes later Katie Chapman opened her account, capitalising on a deep cross by Karen Carney to steer the ball home and put the Gunners two goals to the good.

While Arsenal looked to stretch their advantage it was Kelly McDougall who was leading the fightback for the Blues, going close on two separate occasions as she pushed forward from midfield.

Everton made further inroads in the second half and the introduction of Fara Williams and the returning Emily Westwood aided their cause, with chances resulting from their linkup play.

Williams had a firm effort saved by Byrne with just nine minutes to play, created by the wing play of Handley the driven shot from 20 yards was straight down the middle otherwise it may have troubled the Gunners goalie.

Arsenal put the icing on the cake in injury time with virtually the last kick of the match, Lianne Sanderson provided the setup on the left flank and a fumble from Danielle Hill presented Gemma Davison with a simple tap in.

Arsenal: Emma Byrne, Alex Scott, Mary Phillip, Jayne Ludlow, Leanne Champ (Sian Larkin 88), Anita Asante, Karen Carney (Gemma Davison 81), Kelly Smith, Lianne Sanderson, Katie Chapman, Rachel Yankey,

Subs not used: Ciara Grant, Becky Spencer, Cori Daniels

Everton: Danielle Hill, Becky Easton, Rachel Unitt, Leane Duffy (c), Fern Whelan, Lindsay Johnson, Amy Kane, Jill Scott (Nick Harding 81), Jodie Handley, Kelly McDougall (Fara Williams 55), Michelle Evans (Emily Westwood 66)

Subs not used: Jayne Eadie, Rachel Brown

Att: 2,604

Referee: Ms Sasa Ihringova
Assistants: Mr Ross Joyce, Ms Sian Massey
Fourth Official: Miss Natalie Walker

Kit Colours:

Arsenal: Red Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks
Everton: All Blue