Sunderland miss out on Women's FA Cup win

May 4 2009 By Mark Douglas at Pride Park

Arsenal Ladies 2, Sunderland Ladies 1

A LATE, late goal from Kelly McDougall was not enough to help Sunderland overturn the odds and beat Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup final at Pride Park.

But Mick Mulhern's plucky young side gave Arsenal a run for their money and did not look out of place in their first appearance in a major final.

In their fourth successive Cup final, the Gunners were overwhelming favourites before the game and dominated for long periods in the first half.

They took the lead on 31 minutes when Katie Chapman pounced after Sunderland 'keeper Helen Alderson could only parry Gemma Davison's long-range effort.

The Black Cats fought hard to find a way back into the game but chances were few and far between.

And there was concern when, after a long delay to get treatment on the pitch, 18-year-old Sophie Williams was stretchered off after clashing knees with Chapman.

Arsenal effectively ended the game as a contest when Kim Little rounded Alderson in injury time to extend the lead to two. McDougall notched a smart goal but it was the last kick of the game.