Arsenal: Ladies celebrate their second WSL title in a row

Arsenal Ladies clinch their second WSL title in a row – and the WSL has only had two seasons. After going through their season unbeaten (so far), the Ladies side thought their game against Doncaster would be a breeze but the Belles came to cause an upset.

“We want to win the league this week. We want to do it at home – we’ve said that all along and this is our last chance to do that,” Laura Harvey told Arsenal.com.

“We’re in a good frame of mind to make sure that we go out there and prove that we can be worthy champions.”

Laura Harvey made two changes to the side that beat Barcelona earlier on in the week. Gemma Davison and Danielle Carter came on for Steph Houghton and Rachel Yankey as they were resting for the second leg in the following week.

Early on in the second half, Lyndsey Cunningham scored a goal that put the champions ahead. But to make up for their early mistake, the Belles hit back in the 20th minute with a stunner from Aine O’Gorman. Apparently, someone told Doncaster that own goals were the new black as they scored their second own goal of the game, making it 2-1 to the Gunners.

Though the second half remained scoreless until the last 10 minutes, both sides had their chances to score earlier. Alyssa Lagonia’s powerhouse from 30 yards out just went over the Arsenal Byrne’s goal while Scott’s set up for Little recoiled off the post and was hit off to safety. Jennifer Beattie also had her chance to score when her shot was caught by the Doncaster ‘keeper.

Once Kelly Smith came on for Gilly Flahtery, you knew the England legend was going to score – and it only took her seven minutes. Kim Little set the ball up softly for the striker, and with her left foot, shot it right past Earps.

Leandra Little scored two minutes from time but that wasn’t enough for the visitors to cause a gash to Laura Harvey’s side. Their day was made as they were crowed FA WSL champions for the second time now.

They now travel to Birmingham for one last game to complete an unbeaten 2012 season. Just three days after that game, they face Birmingham again in the Continental Cup Final.

 

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

Follow her on Twitter @briefcase_wanka

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