Arsenal Ladies manager Laura Harvey revealed her delight at having lifted the FA Women's Cup on Saturday, twelve months after losing to Everton in last year's final.
By David Brenchley
The Gunners defeated Bristol Academy 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena thanks to goals from Kim Little and Julie Fleeting to record their eleventh overall success in the competition.
The win helped avenge their extra time loss to the Toffees last time around and was made even sweeter by the fact it came in Harvey's hometown of Coventry.
"[It meant] everything," she said. "The last twelve months have been tough and as a group we said that we wouldn't forget the feeling of last year because we never want to have it again.
"The expectation [on Arsenal to win trophies] brings pressure and last year was a really tough day and, from a personal point of view, I never wanted that to happen again.
"I think the players knew that and you could see at the end everyone was pleased just to bring the cup home."
Midfielder Katie Chapman is used to that winning feeling with Arsenal, having picked up two FA Cup winners medals in her last spell with the club, but, after being handed the captain's armband, one would imagine she will treasure this one the most.
She said: "It was a great honour for me to go out there as captain and it was nice to go out there and win again. It is great to be back with the girls, they have made me feel so welcome.
"After injuries to Faye White and Jayne Ludlow it has been passed onto me and I am priveleged they feel I can be their captain and bring them forward."
The two teams were already familiar with one another, having played each other twice in the FA WSL this season, but the Gunners had one secret weapon they unleashed this weekend.
Scotland international Kim Little has had injuries this season and therefore was yet to face Bristol and she showed her quality when she opened the scoring, jinking past three defenders before slotting home.
Harvey played tribute to the 20-year-old, adding: "She was our rough diamond today because Bristol haven't played her yet this season.
"She is world class. Some of the football she can play is frightening and the way she took her goal summed that up.
"She has had a tough season, it has been hard for her, but she is hitting form just when we want her to. She was excellent against Doncaster and again today."
