Published: 4 October, 2012
by CATHERINE ETOE

THE all-conquering Arsenal Ladies were crowned champions of England for the 11th time in 12 years on Sunday.
Laura Harvey’s triumphant team knew they had done enough to retain the Women’s Super League title before they kicked off against rivals ­Doncaster Rovers Belles at Meadow Park.

Birmingham had needed a win in the earlier kick-off to pile the pressure on Arsenal, but the championship was assured when the Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Bristol Academy.

Two own goals and a  strike by super sub Kelly Smith saw Arsenal edge a 3-2 victory over Donny on the day to maintain their un­beaten run in the league.

And while Arsenal general manager and men’s team kit man Vic Akers felt that knowing the earlier result had put a dampener on a match that could have been a title decider, he was delighted with yet another champion­ship win for the club he set up in 1987.

“It took the edge off it for them,” he said. “But lots of people stayed behind to see the girls get their trophy and it was a fabulous atmosphere.

“The club are very proud of the women’s side over the years and our aim is to maintain those achievements year after year and that’s important to everybody.”

Arsenal winger and former Hampstead School pupil Rachel Yankey added that with one league match, the Continental Cup final and the Champions League all still to play in, the season was far from over. “It’s nice to win the league but we’ve still got a job to do, we want to finish the season unbeaten.”

The last league game is at Birmingham on Sunday.