Business as usual for Arsenal Ladies

10:50am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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Arsenal Ladies began the defence of their title with a 4-0 victory over Blackburn at Meadow Park, home of Boreham Wood FC.

Rachel Yankey was missing from the starting line up due to a hamstring strain, allowing Kim Little to slot into the team, pushing Kelly Smith up as the spearhead of the attack.

And it took only 7 minutes before Smith registered her 1st of the season with a delightful chip over Danielle Hill in the Blackburn goal after she had been given too much space just inside the box.

Smith then popped up in the 17th minute, converting from 6 yards after some neat one-two passing with Carney coming in off the left flank.

Jayne Ludlow added a third just before the break when a lose ball dropped to her just outside the box and she unleashed a sweet left-foot volley that sailed over the goalkeeper.

In the second period, Blackburn adjusted their 1st half 4-5-1 shape to 4-4-2, adding another striker into attack, but Arsenal continued to dominate the possession.

Smith then completed her hat-trick in the 56th minute with another easy tap-in after Davison had danced into the box to unleash a great strike that goalkeeper Hill could only parry to the unmarked striker.

As the Blackburn defence tired, Davison continued to cause problems with her quick and skilful runs through the middle and down the right flank, but several chances went unpunished.

Three league debutants were then introduced to the game, as Niamh Fahey, Dannii Bird and Earther Pond were given the chance to shine. And it was Bird that went closest in almost grabbing herself a debut goal five minutes from the end, as her 20 yard strike just flew wide of the post.

Arsenal’s next few home fixtures include Watford on August 28 (Kick-off 7.45pm), Doncaster on September 7 and then newly promoted Nottingham Forest on September 18.

Arsenal: Byrne, Scott, Tracy, Bassett, Flaherty (Pond 75), Grant (Fahey 75), Ludlow, Smith (Bird 80), Davison, Carney, Little.  Subs: Spencer, Ross.