2nd August, 2015
Photo: Reuters
In the hours before the start of the women’s FA Cup final, when they were trying to forget about the enormity of the occasion and ignore the butterflies that were fluttering around their stomachs, the players of Chelsea Ladies could hardly have anticipated that they would enjoy such a stress-free afternoon.
Do not be fooled by the slender margin of Chelsea’s victory. They were superior throughout against Notts County Ladies and there were not many heart-in-mouth moments for them to endure.
After so many near misses, Chelsea’s quest for a first major trophy is over and how they savoured a triumph that finally laid to rest the ghosts of their defeat on penalties to Birmingham City Ladies in the final three years ago. Emma Hayes has managed her squad with distinction, bearing in mind that the misery of losing to Arsenal in the semi-final last year was exacerbated by missing out on the Women’s Super League title to Liverpool Ladies on the final day of the season.
The pressure could have hindered Chelsea. They could have choked. Instead Ji So-yun’s goal in the first half was decisive and County, who are still seeking their first trophy after their switch to Nottingham from Lincoln 18 months ago, could have no complaints. Rick Passmoor’s side were outplayed, fortunate that Chelsea only had Ji’s tap‑in to show for their dominance.
It was a 1-0 thrashing and Ji was a fitting match-winner. The impish South Korean has been a revelation since joining Chelsea at the start of last year and has lifted this side to new heights, although she owed her goal to the daring and creativity of the wonderful Eniola Aluko, who deserved her woman of the match award after illuminating the final with a display of breathtaking skill.
Culled from Guardian UK