April 7, 2002

Fulham show they are the number one team in England as they win the AXA FA Premier League Cup, 2001-02

AXA FA Premier League Cup Final

Birmingham City 1 Fulham 7

Sunday April 7th 2002

Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers FC

Commentary

Colin A Aldis

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Fulham showed they are probably the number one team in land with a convincing win over City who lead North Division of the FA Premier League.

Fulham went ahead after just 3 minutes when a cross from the right by Kristy Moore was not dealt with by keeper Melanie Ramsdale, and Katie Chapman headed it in.

Although Fulham dominated much of the play, the second goal did not arrive until the 42nd minute when Marianne Pettersen headed down a ball from a corner to Norwegian team-mate Margunn Haugenes, who scored from close range.

In the second half it was one way traffic after the hour mark, with Margunn Haugenes getting her second goal. Katie Ward created a chance for Birmingham a minute later which gave them hope when Jody McGukin tucked the ball home.

Captain Marianne Pettersen added another in the 67th minute, and 3 goals in the last 10 minutes sealed the victory for the professional side, who now have secured 2 titles in the space of a few days (winning the south division last Wednesday). Substitute Deena Rahman made it 5-1 in the 81st minute. Marianne Pettersen scored her second in the 86th minute, and Katie Chapman added her second in the last minute.

Fulham can now win a 3rd trophy, when they take on Doncaster Belles in the AXA sponsored FA Cup Final on Bank holiday Monday May 6th, a match to be shown live on BBC, which will be a first for the TV channel, often referred to as 'auntie'.