She shoots, she scores
07 May 2010
LJMU Sport Scholars play a vital role in gaining Everton Ladies first FA Cup.
Rachel Brown, LJMU Alumni and ex-Sport Scholarship athlete, made some crucial saves in goal to lead Everton Ladies to their first FA Cup winner’s medal. In addition current Sport Scholarship student Alex Culvin has been a constant member of the squad throughout their successful season.
The FA Cup final victory was no more than Everton Ladies deserved, having stood toe-to-toe with Arsenal for the majority of the game. Indeed, Everton were the better side for large parts of the match.
Natasha Dowie gave Everton Ladies the lead after 16 minutes, though Kim Little equalised from the penalty spot after Rachel Unitt felled Gemma Davison. By half-time Everton were again ahead thanks to a headed own-goal from Arsenal captain Faye White.
Julie Fleeting grabbed a second equaliser for the Londoners after 54 minutes when she slid in to force home Rachel Yankey's cross.
With the game at the City Ground, Nottingham, seemingly heading for a penalty shoot-out, substitute Brooke Chaplen fed Dowie inside the box and the striker kept her calm to claim her second goal of the game - lifting the ball over goalkeeper Emma Byrne. Dowie's late winner ensured the cup would be heading out of the capital for the first time in 16 years.
Sport Scholarship Manager David McDermott commented: “It was a great achievement for Everton Ladies and for our Sport Scholars who have played an important role in their success. LJMU have also two other Sport Scholars, Vanessa James and Aimee Cleaver, in the Everton Ladies reserve team who have also had a good season. Let’s hope next year they can go on to win the league as well.”
