Casey Stoney urges Arsenal to continue proud cup tradition

Thursday 29 Oct 2015
Casey Stoney on the ball for Arsenal

Casey Stoney says Arsenal want to end the season the only way they know how – by winning silverware.

The Gunners finished third in FA WSL 1 and were knocked out of the SSE Women's FA Cup by eventual double winners Chelsea.

Arsenal v Notts County

FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup Final
AESSEAL New York Stadium
Rotherham United
3pm Sunday 1 November 2015
Adults £5, concessions £2.50
Buy tickets here
Live on BT Sport 2

 

Although they last won the League in 2012, they did win The FA Women's Cup last year and have triumphed in this competition three times in four seasons.

And Stoney admits Arsenal are desperate to add another trophy to their incredible haul.

She said: "This is a club steeped in a tradition of success, and winning trophies was the main reason I joined.

Casey Stoney in action for England

Casey Stoney in action for England

"We were disappointed not to reach the SSE Women's FA Cup Final because that's a competition we pride ourselves on. But we're in the Continental Tyres Cup Final again and we want to win it.

"This is a massive game for us. We don't want to end the season empty-handed."

Arsenal reached Sunday's showpiece by winning all five Group One matches – Stoney got herself on the scoresheet in the 2-1 defeat of Reading - and then seeing off holders Manchester City and Birmingham City in the knockout stages.

Stoney said: "If you look at our route to The Final it hasn't been easy.

"We had Chelsea in our group and beat them 2-0, we had Man City in the quarter final when they were probably the most in-form team in the League, and Birmingham, who are always tough to play against, in the semi-final.

Casey Stoney with Arsenal team-mate Leah Williamson

Casey Stoney with Arsenal team-mate Leah Williamson

"The manager has rotated the squad a lot and given some younger players a chance but they have all stepped up and we have really performed as a whole squad in this competition."

Stoney played under Notts County boss Rick Passmoor when the pair were at Lincoln Ladies – he is a manager she knows well and respects greatly.

The 33-year-old is also familiar with a number of Lady Pies players, having played alongside them either with England or Lincoln.

And she reckons their SSE Women's FA Cup Final loss to Chelsea in August will spur them on.

Casey Stoney celebrates scoring for Arsenal

Casey Stoney celebrates scoring earlier this season

Stoney added: "I think that Cup Final defeat at Wembley will give Notts County added motivation.

"They won't want to lose two Cup Finals in the same season. We know what sort of a side Notts County are, we know how they play, we know their players, as they do ours.

"It's going to be a really tough game for both teams but we are determined to come out on top."

She continued: "This club has got big plans moving forward to make sure we can compete and get back ahead of the rest.

"We haven't won the League for a few years, but with the plans that have been talked about, and if we bring in a couple of new players as well, I'm sure we will do very well next season."

Tickets for the final cost £5 for adults and £2.50 concessions, and can be bought at rotherhamunitedshop.co.uk or by telephone on 08444 10754.

By Glenn Lavery