Chelsea Ladies 1 Notts County Ladies 0

Chelsea won their first proper silverware of the season when the ladies side lifted the FA Cup at Wembley this afternoon.

Winger Eni Aluko inspired the Blues to a 1-0 victory over Notts County Ladies in front of almost 31,000 supporters, the first time the women's show-piece trophy has been played at Wembley.

Chelsea scored in the decisive goal in the 37 minute, when a mazy run by Aluko, on the left saw the ball passed to Ji So-Yun.

The South Korean striker had a piece of luck when the ball fell kindly to her in the side yard box and she was assured when toe-poking the ball home with her left foot.

Chelsea dominated the game after a shaky opening 10 minutes and thoroughly deserved victory.

Last season the Blues lost two semi-finals and suffered even more agony, losing the league title to Manchester City on goal difference.

This season however, they are much stronger and although losing two league games prior to Wembley have a great chance of adding the title to the FA Cup.

Tomorrow, also at Wembley, the men's side has a chance of opening their potentially trophy-laden season with a victory over Arsenal in The Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser for the league season.

But while Arsenal, who won the men's FA Cup in May pocketed £1,8million pounds for their endeavours, Chelsea Ladies will have a cheque of just £5,000 to take back with them.

But money means nothing at the moment as they savour FA Cup glory.

 

Teams: Chelsea, Hedvig Lindahl; Hannah Blundell, Niamh Fahey, Gilly Flaherty, Claire Rafferty; Millie Bright, Katie Chapman (c), Drew Spence; Gemma Davison, Ji So-Yun (Laura Coombs 90), Eni Aluko (Ana Borges 81)