Arsenal player-coach Kelly Smith admitted her side are determined to win their fourth consecutive FA WSL Continental Cup after securing a 2-0 semi-final victory over Notts County at Meadow Park.
The Gunners were frustrated by the Lady Pies’ stubborn defence who kept them at bay for 90 minutes.
But Caroline Weir’s first goal of the season and Smith’s penalty set up a Final against Manchester City, who defeated Chelsea 1-0 in their last-four tie.
Arsenal 2-0 Notts County (aet)
FA WSL Continental Cup
Semi-Final
Sunday 7 September 2014
Meadow Park, Boreham Wood FC
And Smith acknowledged the hosts had to draw on their big-game experience following a lacklustre start to beat a spirited County side.
England's record goalscorer said: “In the first 20 minutes we weren’t at the races but we built our way into the game and had plenty of opportunities to put it to bed a lot earlier than we did.
“Man City are a good side but we just wanted to put ourselves into The Final. We beat them recently so they will be out for revenge but anything can happen on the day.
“We are the Continental Cup holders and we want to retain it. We know what the expectations are and I think that helps.
“When you’re playing a team that isn’t used to that experience they can get overawed but we’ve got a lot of senior players in there who can help our youngsters.”
Arsenal hit the woodwork just before the break when Alex Scott’s pull-back eventually fell to Rachel Yankey, whose deflected shot bobbled onto the post.
Leah Williamson’s effort was ruled out for handball on 75 minutes before Katie Hoyle almost snatched it for the visitors.
In the 99th minute Weir latched onto a through ball from substitute Smith and lofted home before Smith sent keeper Carly Telford the wrong way from the spot after Danielle Carter had been tripped in the box.
County are now winless in six games and boss Rick Passmoor turned his attention to saving their FA WSL 1 status.
He said: “Good luck to Arsenal, over the course of the game they were the better team. They handled the ball better and showed their knowledge of playing at this level.
“We were a little bit heavy-legged and couldn’t get into the game, which meant we gave the ball away a lot and the girls are feeling very disappointed.
“We have a lot of work left to do in the league as Everton are a young side that have been together since the Centre of Excellence.”
