Balletic: Rachel Yankey (left) turns on the style, and goalscorer Jennifer Beattie takes on Lincoln’s Sophie Walton

Published: 13 September, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENAL Ladies edged a step closer to retaining their Women’s Super League title on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Lincoln at Meadow Park.

First-half strikes from the recalled Jennifer Beattie and former Hampstead School pupil Rachel Yankey put the Gunners firmly in the driving seat. Remi Allen pulled a goal back late on from the penalty spot, but Laura Harvey’s side were good value for their latest victory.

With the hosts applying good early pressure it came as no surprise when they took the lead after 25 minutes. Yankey’s cross was palmed out by Lincoln goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs into the path of Beattie, who fired home at the second attempt.

Yankey was on hand to sweep the ball home from close range and double the advantage in the 37th minute after Jordan Nobbs’s initial shot was blocked on the line by Sophie Bradley. 

The visitors pulled a goal back 11 minutes from time when Katie Chapman fouled Jess Clarke, and Allen stepped up to reduce the arrears.

But Arsenal held on to their 2-1 advantage to remain unbeaten after 10 games – and now boast a five-point lead at the top of the table.

Boss Harvey is well aware of the position her team are now in with only four games to go. She said: “Mathematically, we need four points to win the league, and that’s if Birmingham don’t drop any points between now and the end of the season. We’re in a fantastic position.”