Charlton Women 1-0 Everton Ladies

FA Women's Cup final photos

Charlton made it third time lucky by easing to victory against Everton in the FA Women's Cup final at Upton Park.

The 2003 and 2004 runners-up dominated from early on with Ann-Marie Heatherson hitting the woodwork and heading wide.

But Eniola Aluko finally broke the deadlock close to the hour mark, slipping past the back four to slot home after good work from Emma Coss.

Everton struggled to make an impact but came close with efforts from Farah Williams and Chantelle Parry.

Everton started well with Rachel Unitt grabbing the first real chance of the game when she latched onto to deep cross only to bundle the ball wide.

But the Merseysiders soon began to tire and Charlton were left to rue a series of missed opportunities in the first half.

Heatherson hit the post and was then denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Danielle Hill after following up Aluko's blocked shot.

Heatherson became even more frustrated when she headed wide either side of the break, but Aluko finally put the Addicks ahead in the 58th minute.

The England U19 international striker pounced on Coss' clever ball behind the back four and had no trouble slotting the ball past the Everton keeper.

Aluko nearly doubled their lead 15 minutes later but saw her shot go wide, while, at the other end, Everton's chances were few and far between.

---

Charlton manager Keith Boanas on Eniola Aluko:
"She was fantastic and she could have had a couple more if she had been lucky.

"It's incredible to come here three times on the trot and finally get it.

"If we hadn't got it this year, I'd have seriously questioned what I was doing wrong."

Charlton winning goalscorer Eniola Aluko:
"This is the best feeling I've ever had in my life.

"The team spirit here is unbelievable, and I just love playing for Charlton."

Everton manager Mo Marley:
"We only played to about 10% of our capabilities, and we know we can do better.

"But that's not to take anything away from Charlton, who were by far the better side on the day.

"Inexperience and nerves undoubtedly played a part, but Charlton were a lot sharper than we were."

---

Charlton Women: Cope, Casey Stoney, Coss, Hills, Murphy, Broadhurst, Aluko, Heatherson (Jodian Clarke 69), Smith, Sian Williams, Sinclair-Chambers.
Subs Not Used: Hunn, Cabey-Gooden, Reidy, Snare.

Goals: Aluko 57.

Everton Ladies: Danielle Hill, Becky Easton, Unit, Williams, Britton, Johnson, Handley, Duffy (Evans 66), Parry, McDougall, Kane (Jenny Jones 86).
Subs Not Used: Eadie, Cathy Jones, Byrne.

Booked: Parry.

Att: 8,567

Ref: M Jones (Cheshire).