Kelly Smith

Published: 12 July, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

SUPER-SUB Kelly Smith (pictured) came off the bench to earn Arsenal Ladies a hard-fought victory away against Chelsea on Thursday in the Women’s Super League.

The Gunners were heading towards their first defeat of the campaign before the striker’s introduction on 55 minutes. The England international had other ideas as she first headed home Alex Scott’s pinpoint cross before firing a superb second 10 minutes from time.

Danni Buet’s first-half brace – one direct from a corner and the other a penalty – gave Chelsea a 2-1 advantage at the break after Kim Little had given Arsenal an early lead.

Laura Harvey’s battling side hit back, however, with Little levelling matters with her second of the game before Smith’s stunning cameo sealed a 4-2 win to leave the Gunners eight points clear at the top of the table.

The result caps a magnificent week for Arsenal Ladies after Smith, Little, Scott, Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Rachel Yankey were all selected to represent Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.