Arsenal reach FA Women’s Cup Final

Kelly Smith’s two strikes helped Arsenal to victory (Getty)

Kelly Smith inspired holders Arsenal to an eighth FA Women’s Cup final in nine years after a comeback victory over Chelsea at Woking’s Kingfield Stadium. They will play Everton after the Merseyside team edged past a spirited Notts County side.

Smith’s late 25-yard strike took Arsenal and Chelsea into extra-time where goals from Danielle Carter, Shinobu Ohno and Casey Stoney won it for the 12-time winners, despite Eniola Aluko making it 4-3.

Smith’s 86th-minute goal, her second of the game after earlier cancelling out Ji So-Yun’s opener, came moments after Yuki Ogimi looked to have won it for Chelsea.

Nikita Parris’s first-half double proved vital for Everton as Katie Hoyle pulled one back for County just after the break, but the Toffees held on to seal their place in the final at stadium:mk on Sunday 1 June.

Everton manager Andy Spence said his young side fully deserved their chance to take on Arsenal.

“We have got a young team and this is a great credit for the players,” he said.

“People outside the club have written us off, but inside the club we keep working hard. We spoke about dominating the ball a bit more and in the first half we gave a masterclass in possession. We are delighted to be in the final.”