SAME OLD STORY

So, it was the final we were all predicting.....Doncaster Rovers Belles v Arsenal in the women's Premier League Cup.

The two finalists clinched victories over Preston North End, and Chelsea. Doncaster beating PNE 3-1, and Arsenal beating their London rivals Chelsea 4-0.

The Belles scored twice within seven minutes of the game with goals coming form Rachel Williams and Emily Heckler. Preston managed to put up a fight despite the 2-0 deficit, and 6 minutes before half time they were reward with a goal from Anisha Bateman.

Suzanne Davies scored for Docaster Belles shortly after the break, and Preston North End soon ran out of steam to ensure it was the Belles who made it through to the final.

Sophie Perry of Chelsea, scored an own goal in the first half to open up the scoring, and gave Arsenal their 1-0 lead. Chelsea defended well and it wasn't until the 56th minute Arsenal increased their lead thanks to a close range shot from Julie Fleeting. Jane Ludlow then scored making it 3-0 before Fleeting scored the 4th to ensure a 5th consecutive appearance in the League Cup Final for the Arsenal Ladies - a record any team would be proud of!

Now for the final.....I can see Arsenal clinching the win but it wont be easy! Doncaster have proved their worth and will be relishing the chance to be the new cup holders!

A LITTLE ALL TOO FAMILIAR....

As the women's league gears up for a weekend of Cup action, looking at one of the semi-final fixtures I could not help but think this fixture wouldn't look out of place in the men's equivalent.

Tomorrow sees Chelsea take on their London rivals Arsenal in the FA Tesco Women’s Premier League Cup.

(The other fixture being Doncaster Rovers Belles v Preston North End)

Another interesting fact is that two of the teams involved in the semi-final matches have both already played in the final (Doncaster Rovers Belles, and Arsenal), something that is evident in the men's game as every year we pretty much see the same teams there, or there abouts.

So does this prove that women's and men's football aren't entirely worlds apart - well based on other issues unfortunately not, but still, a pattern is emerging similar to that in the men's league.

Now everyone knows how much money surrounds the male game and that the top 4 are generally making the most money, i.e Manchester United, Arsenal etc, and this can be down to how much backing they've received financially in the past - most particularly evident with Chelsea over recent years as now they've established themselves as one of the 'top 4' clubs.

If women's teams received more backing financially too, then surely this can only help to open the door further for a lot of other teams looking to compete with the success that Arsenal have managed! Bit of a coincidence that the team that's had the most financial backing in the league is the same team that are constantly winning trophies and containing most of the international players.

So again, clubs - TAKE THE TIME TO BACK YOUR WOMEN'S TEAM!!! It'll benefit everyone involved!

And finally.....Good luck to the teams over the weekend involved with various cup ties, and Chelsea and Preston - there's a chance to set up an unprecedented occasion for yourselves so extra good luck to you both!!

COVERAGE

Reading through the latest Premiership programme - (well I wasn't going to spend the full 90 minutes watching the Villa draw 0-0 to Fulham at home) I wandered about one of my friends who plays for the ladies team.

"Ooooh I wonder whether her photo will be in here" I thought to myself as I quickly flicked through. To my amazement - there was nothing!!! Not even a sniff of the league, the team, the teams latest result and so on!! I couldn't believe it!! I actually felt really sorry for them!!

A premiership team, who are taking the time and money to back a female squad, yet not even one measly mention in their match day programme! What's the point if they want to help promote the women's team and the game??

I can't speak on behalf of the other teams and programmes around the countries, but all I could think was that if a premiership team doesn't even mention them, I cant see a lot of the others doing otherwise! (Maybe with an exception of Arsenal as they're always doing so well)!

So yet another issue regarding the women's game and how they get unfairly treated, and how they receive little or no help of their supposed big brothers - it just adds to my thoughts about why the women's game will never, ever change!!

It's time to pull your fingers out clubs!!!! Get the women the recognition and notice they deserve!!! YOUR WOMENS TEAM NEEDS YOU!