Women's Football: Arsenal celebrate victory over Birmingham City

Published: 29 September, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

RACHEL Yankey struck twice on Sunday as Arsenal Ladies completed a historic treble by lifting the Continental Cup with a convincing win over Birmingham City.

Laura Harvey’s side added the trophy to their Super League and FA Cup haul as goals from Ellen White, Jayne Ludlow and a brace from Yankey sealed a 4-1 victory.

Held at Burton Albion FC, Arsenal took the lead against the run of play midway through the first half when White pounced from close range after Katie Chapman’s deflected shot cannoned back off the crossbar.

Within a minute the Gunners doubled their advantage as Danielle Carter found space before firing in a perfect cross for unmarked captain Ludlow to head home.

Arsenal extended the lead when Yankey’s deflected free-kick looped beyond the keeper.

Birmingham pulled a goal back, but the former Hampstead school­girl wrapped up the win with a contender for goal of the season, flicking the ball up on the edge of the area and smashing home a volley.