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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox football match
{{Infobox football match
| title = 1997 FA Women's Cup Final
| title = 1997 FA Women's Cup Final
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}}
}}


The '''1997 FA Women's Cup Final''' was the 27th final of the [[FA Women's Cup]], England's primary [[Single-elimination tournament|cup competition]] for [[women's association football|women's football]] teams. The showpiece event was the fourth to be played directly under the auspices of [[the Football Association]] (FA) and was known as the '''[[Sky Living|UK Living]] FA Women's Cup Final''' for sponsorship reasons. [[Millwall Lionesses L.F.C.|Millwall Lionesses]] and [[Barnet F.C. Ladies|Wembley]] contested the match at [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]'s [[Boleyn Ground|Upton Park]] in [[London]] on 4 May 1997. Millwall Lionesses made their second final appearance, after winning the trophy in 1991 with a 1–0 win over [[Doncaster Rovers Belles L.F.C.|Doncaster Belles]] at [[Prenton Park]]. Wembley appeared in the final for the first time, having won the previous season's [[FA Women's Premier League Cup]] competition.<ref>{{cite web|title=England - List of Women Cup Winners |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng-womcuphist.html |publisher=RSSSF |accessdate=24 July 2011 |author=Erik Garin |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111020042/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng-womcuphist.html |archivedate=11 November 2013 |df= }}</ref>
The '''1997 FA Women's Cup Final''' was the 27th final of the [[FA Women's Cup]], England's primary [[Single-elimination tournament|cup competition]] for [[women's association football|women's football]] teams. The showpiece event was the fourth to be played directly under the auspices of [[the Football Association]] (FA) and was known as the '''[[Sky Living|UK Living]] FA Women's Cup Final''' for sponsorship reasons. [[Millwall Lionesses L.F.C.|Millwall Lionesses]] and [[Barnet F.C. Ladies|Wembley]] contested the match at [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]'s [[Boleyn Ground|Upton Park]] in [[London]] on 4 May 1997. Millwall Lionesses made their second final appearance, after winning the trophy in 1991 with a 1–0 win over [[Doncaster Rovers Belles L.F.C.|Doncaster Belles]] at [[Prenton Park]]. Wembley appeared in the final for the first time, having won the previous season's [[FA Women's Premier League Cup]] competition.<ref>{{cite web|title=England - List of Women Cup Winners |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng-womcuphist.html |accessdate=24 July 2011 |author=Erik Garin |url-status=live |website=[[RSSSF]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111020042/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng-womcuphist.html |archivedate=11 November 2013 }}</ref>


As [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]] clubs, both teams entered the competition at the fourth round stage. Millwall Lionesses beat [[Chelsea L.F.C.|Chelsea]] (3–0), Doncaster Belles (3–0), [[Aston Villa L.F.C.|Aston Villa]] (4–1, [[Overtime (sports)|after extra time]]) and [[Charlton Athletic L.F.C.|Croydon]] (1–1, 3–1 on [[Penalty shoot-out|penalties]]) to reach the final. Wembley needed extra time in all three games to defeat [[Tranmere Rovers L.F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] (2–1), [[Preston North End W.F.C.|Preston Rangers]] (1–0) and Berkhamsted Town (3–1) to reach a semi final with [[Arsenal L.F.C.|Arsenal]]. Their subsequent 1–0 victory over Arsenal at [[Meadow Park (Borehamwood)|Borehamwood]] was considered a major [[Upset (competition)|upset]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Miracles and Upsets Do Happen...|url=http://www.shekicks.net/flog/blogs/post/294|publisher=[[She Kicks (magazine)|She Kicks]]|accessdate=27 October 2012|date=5 April 2011|first=Colin|last=Aldis}}</ref>
As [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]] clubs, both teams entered the competition at the fourth round stage. Millwall Lionesses beat [[Chelsea L.F.C.|Chelsea]] (3–0), Doncaster Belles (3–0), [[Aston Villa L.F.C.|Aston Villa]] (4–1, [[Overtime (sports)|after extra time]]) and [[Charlton Athletic L.F.C.|Croydon]] (1–1, 3–1 on [[Penalty shoot-out|penalties]]) to reach the final. Wembley needed extra time in all three games to defeat [[Tranmere Rovers L.F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] (2–1), [[Preston North End W.F.C.|Preston Rangers]] (1–0) and Berkhamsted Town (3–1) to reach a semi final with [[Arsenal L.F.C.|Arsenal]]. Their subsequent 1–0 victory over Arsenal at [[Meadow Park (Borehamwood)|Borehamwood]] was considered a major [[Upset (competition)|upset]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Miracles and Upsets Do Happen...|url=http://www.shekicks.net/flog/blogs/post/294|publisher=[[She Kicks (magazine)|She Kicks]]|accessdate=27 October 2012|date=5 April 2011|first=Colin|last=Aldis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527144823/http://www.shekicks.net/flog/blogs/post/294|archive-date=27 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
Millwall Lionesses won the Cup for the first time in 1991, when it was run under the auspices of the [[Women's Football Association]]. After their 1–0 final victory over Doncaster Belles, the winning squad broke up and players moved to rival clubs. Several players including future [[England women's national football team|England]] manager [[Hope Powell]] founded a new club called Bromley Borough, which became Croydon then Charlton Athletic.
Millwall Lionesses won the Cup for the first time in 1991, when it was run under the auspices of the [[Women's Football Association]]. After their 1–0 final victory over Doncaster Belles, the winning squad broke up and players moved to rival clubs. Several players including future [[England women's national football team|England]] manager [[Hope Powell]] founded a new club called Bromley Borough, which became Croydon then Charlton Athletic.


Only [[Julie Fletcher]], at 16 the youngest member of the 1991 squad, and [[Lou Waller]], employed by parent–club [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] as a community officer, remained with the team. In Waller's words: "We had to shunt all the teams up. The reserves became the seniors, the juniors became the reserves."<ref>{{cite web|title=Lionesses aim to keep pride intact|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-aim-to-keep-pride-intact-1274642.html|publisher=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=28 October 2012|date=23 March 1997|first=Pete|last=Davies}}</ref> By 1997 Millwall Lionesses' emphasis on youth development had produced international calibre players such as [[Mary Phillip]], [[Katie Chapman]], [[Danielle Murphy]] and [[Carly Hunt]]. England's first–choice goalkeeper [[Pauline Cope]] had also returned to the club from Arsenal. In March 1997 Millwall Lionesses defeated [[Everton L.F.C.|Everton]] in the final of the [[FA Women's Premier League Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FA Premier League Cup Final, 1996-97|url=http://www.womensoccer.com/refs/caf-refs/clubs/eclubs97.html|publisher=WomenSoccer.com|accessdate=28 October 2012|date=21 May 1997|first=Colin|last=Aldis}}</ref>
Only [[Julie Fletcher]], at 16 the youngest member of the 1991 squad, and [[Lou Waller]], employed by parent–club [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] as a community officer, remained with the team. In Waller's words: "We had to shunt all the teams up. The reserves became the seniors, the juniors became the reserves."<ref>{{cite web|title=Lionesses aim to keep pride intact|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-aim-to-keep-pride-intact-1274642.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/lionesses-aim-to-keep-pride-intact-1274642.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=28 October 2012|date=23 March 1997|first=Pete|last=Davies}}{{cbignore}}</ref> By 1997 Millwall Lionesses' emphasis on youth development had produced international calibre players such as [[Mary Phillip]], [[Katie Chapman]], [[Danielle Murphy]] and [[Carly Hunt]]. England's first–choice goalkeeper [[Pauline Cope]] had also returned to the club from Arsenal. In March 1997 Millwall Lionesses defeated [[Everton L.F.C.|Everton]] in the final of the [[FA Women's Premier League Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FA Premier League Cup Final, 1996-97|url=http://www.womensoccer.com/refs/caf-refs/clubs/eclubs97.html|publisher=WomenSoccer.com|accessdate=28 October 2012|date=21 May 1997|first=Colin|last=Aldis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325153624/http://www.womensoccer.com/refs/caf-refs/clubs/eclubs97.html|archive-date=25 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Manager John Jones had taken over District Line LFC in 1982 and led them to a series of promotions. In 1993 they were promoted to the [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]] and tied up with [[Wembley F.C.|Wembley FC]] to enter the top division. Part of the deal was a merger with Pinner Park Girls FC, which meant that Wembley inherited Pinner Park's [[Kelly Smith]].
Manager John Jones had taken over District Line LFC in 1982 and led them to a series of promotions. In 1993 they were promoted to the [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]] and tied up with [[Wembley F.C.|Wembley FC]] to enter the top division. Part of the deal was a merger with Pinner Park Girls FC, which meant that Wembley inherited Pinner Park's [[Kelly Smith]].


As a former [[Physical Training Instructor]] in the [[Royal Navy]], Jones ensured his team were strong and fit. He favoured an unorthodox 3–2–3–2 formation which accommodated a blend of promising youngsters and experienced campaigners such as [[Naz Ball]]. Wembley's progress culminated in a shock [[FA Women's Premier League Cup]] win over Doncaster Belles in March 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/wembleys-flair-rewarded-in-shootout-1341434.html|title=Wembley's flair rewarded in shoot-out |publisher=[[The Independent]]|first=Pete|last=Davies|date=1996-03-11|accessdate=2012-10-28}}</ref>
As a former [[Physical Training Instructor]] in the [[Royal Navy]], Jones ensured his team were strong and fit. He favoured an unorthodox 3–2–3–2 formation which accommodated a blend of promising youngsters and experienced campaigners such as [[Naz Ball]]. Wembley's progress culminated in a shock [[FA Women's Premier League Cup]] win over Doncaster Belles in March 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/wembleys-flair-rewarded-in-shootout-1341434.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/wembleys-flair-rewarded-in-shootout-1341434.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Wembley's flair rewarded in shoot-out |work=[[The Independent]]|first=Pete|last=Davies|date=1996-03-11|accessdate=2012-10-28}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Jones was angry when his players subsequently began to join rival clubs, attributing their departure to "a little bit of, shall we say, greed."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-theyre-on-their-way-to-upton-1259726.html|title=Football: They're on their way to Upton ... |publisher=[[The Independent]]|first=Andrew|last=Baker|date=1997-05-04|accessdate=2012-10-28}}</ref> Since the win over Doncaster Belles, three players had moved to Arsenal (Smith, [[Kim Jerray-Silver]] and goalkeeper Sarah Reed) and another three to final opponents Millwall Lionesses (Sally Ede, Pam Bedzrah and [[Justine Lorton]]).
Jones was angry when his players subsequently began to join rival clubs, attributing their departure to "a little bit of, shall we say, greed."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-theyre-on-their-way-to-upton-1259726.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-theyre-on-their-way-to-upton-1259726.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Football: They're on their way to Upton ... |work=[[The Independent]]|first=Andrew|last=Baker|date=1997-05-04|accessdate=2012-10-28}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Since the win over Doncaster Belles, three players had moved to Arsenal (Smith, [[Kim Jerray-Silver]] and goalkeeper Sarah Reed) and another three to final opponents Millwall Lionesses (Sally Ede, Pam Bedzrah and [[Justine Lorton]]).


==Match==
==Match==
===Summary===
===Summary===
Watched by a crowd of 3,015, Millwall Lionesses won the match 1–0, with a winning goal early in the second half from [[Lou Waller]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-61098197.html|title=Mill-Waller.(Sport)|publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]|accessdate=28 October 2012|date=5 May 1997}}</ref> [[Justine Lorton]], who had signed from Wembley the previous summer, delivered a corner kick which was turned in at the near post by Waller, a survivor of Millwall Lionesses' 1991 Cup win. In a close contest, Wembley's defence reportedly played extremely well but their veteran strike–force were unable to threaten [[Pauline Cope]] in the Millwall Lionesses goal.
Watched by a crowd of 3,015, Millwall Lionesses won the match 1–0, with a winning goal early in the second half from [[Lou Waller]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-61098197.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116223941/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-61098197.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 November 2018|title=Mill-Waller.(Sport)|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|accessdate=28 October 2012|date=5 May 1997}}</ref> [[Justine Lorton]], who had signed from Wembley the previous summer, delivered a corner kick which was turned in at the near post by Waller, a survivor of Millwall Lionesses' 1991 Cup win. In a close contest, Wembley's defence reportedly played extremely well but their veteran strike–force were unable to threaten [[Pauline Cope]] in the Millwall Lionesses goal.


After the match, victorious Millwall Lionesses players sang "[[No one likes us, we don't care]]" with their supporters. They also sang "[[How Bizarre (song)|How Bizarre]]" by [[OMC (band)|OMC]] which had become the team's unofficial anthem.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Slegg |first1=Chris |last2=Phillips |first2=Owen |title=Now you see her |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/k7nszhqym9/now-you-see-her |access-date=7 May 2021 |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=7 May 2021 |quote="My main memory is of being in the dressing room afterwards and my first born Jordan, who was two by then, being on one of the girl's shoulders as we all jumped around singing a song that was really popular at the time - How Bizarre by OMC. "That song became our anthem because of just how mad things seemed to be at the club at that time."}}</ref>
After the match, victorious Millwall Lionesses players sang "[[No one likes us, we don't care]]" with their supporters.


===Details===
===Details===
{{football box
{{footballbox |
|date = 4 May 1997
|date = 4 May 1997
|time = 15:00 [[British Summer Time|BST]]
|time = 15:00 [[British Summer Time|BST]]
|report = [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-lionesses-bring-pride-to-millwall-1259819.html (Report)]
|report = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-lionesses-bring-pride-to-millwall-1259819.html
|team1 = [[Millwall Lionesses L.F.C.|Millwall Lionesses]]
|team1 = [[Millwall Lionesses L.F.C.|Millwall Lionesses]]
|score = 1 – 0
|score = 1–0
|team2 = [[Barnet F.C. Ladies|Wembley]]
|team2 = [[Barnet F.C. Ladies|Wembley]]
|goals1 = [[Lou Waller]] {{goal|51}}
|goals1 = [[Lou Waller]] {{goal|51}}
Line 87: Line 88:
|valign="top" width="50%"|
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|colspan="4"|'''MILLWALL LIONESSES:'''
|colspan="4"|
|-
|-
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
|-
|-
|GK ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Pauline Cope]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|GK ||'''1'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Pauline Cope]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|IRL}} [[Abbie Walsh]]
|DF ||'''2'''||{{flagicon|IRL}} [[Abbie Walsh]]
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mary Phillip]]
|DF ||'''8'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mary Phillip]]
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Katie Chapman]] || || {{suboff|87}}
|DF ||'''5'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Katie Chapman]] || || {{suboff|87}}
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tina Lindsay]]
|MF ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tina Lindsay]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danielle Murphy]]
|MF ||'''6'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danielle Murphy]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lou Waller]]
|MF ||'''4'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lou Waller]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tracy Osborn]]
|MF ||'''3'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tracy Osborn]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Justine Lorton]]
|MF ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Justine Lorton]]
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Pru Buckley]]
|FW ||'''9'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Pru Buckley]]
|-
|-
|FW |||| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sally Ede]] || || {{suboff|88}}
|FW ||'''7'''|| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sally Ede]] || || {{suboff|88}}
|-
|-
|colspan=4|'''Substitutes:'''
|colspan=4|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Julie Fletcher]] || || {{subon|87}}
|DF ||'''12'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Julie Fletcher]] || || {{subon|87}}
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Pam Bedzrah]] || || {{subon|88}}
|FW ||'''16'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Pam Bedzrah]] || || {{subon|88}}
|-
|-
|GK ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Katrina Knowler]]
|GK ||'''13'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Katrina Knowler]]
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nina Downham]]
|FW ||'''14'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nina Downham]]
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sophie Chapman]]
|DF ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sophie Chapman (footballer)|Sophie Chapman]]
|-
|-
|colspan=4|'''Manager:'''
|colspan=4|'''Manager:'''
Line 132: Line 133:
|valign="top" width="50%"|
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|colspan="4"|'''WEMBLEY:'''
|colspan="4"|
|-
|-
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
!width="25"| !!width="25"|
|-
|-
|GK ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lesley Higgs]]
|GK ||'''1'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lesley Higgs]]
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kirsty Hewitson]]
|DF ||'''2'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kirsty Hewitson]]
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Carol Harwood]]
|DF ||'''5'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Carol Harwood]]
|-
|-
|DF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lynn Frampton]]
|DF ||'''3'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lynn Frampton]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Siobhan Melia]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|MF ||'''4'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Siobhan Melia]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Donna Burns]]
|MF ||'''8'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Donna Burns (footballer)|Donna Burns]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Julie Darby]]
|MF ||'''6'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Julie Darby]]
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michelle Lee (footballer)|Michelle Lee]] || || {{suboff|85}}
|MF ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michelle Lee (footballer)|Michelle Lee]] || || {{suboff|85}}
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paula Callinan]] || || {{suboff|70}}
|MF ||'''7'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paula Callinan]] || || {{suboff|70}}
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Naz Ball]]
|FW ||'''9'''||{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Naz Ball]]
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tracy Koch]]
|FW ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tracy Koch]]
|-
|-
|colspan=4|'''Substitutes:'''
|colspan=4|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lois Fidler]] || || {{subon|70}}
|MF ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lois Fidler]] || || {{subon|70}}
|-
|-
|MF ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sue Jones (footballer)|Sue Jones]] || || {{subon|85}}
|MF ||'''14'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sue Jones (footballer)|Sue Jones]] || || {{subon|85}}
|-
|-
|GK ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Orla Harrell]]
|GK ||'''13'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Orla Harrell]]
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Ayala Liran]]
|FW ||'''12'''||{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Ayala Liran]]
|-
|-
|FW ||||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jessica Lippiatt]]
|FW ||'''16'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jessica Lippiatt]]
|-
|-
|colspan=4|'''Manager:'''
|colspan=4|'''Manager:'''
Line 198: Line 199:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


{{FA Women's Cup}}
{{FA Women's Cup}}
{{1996–97 in English football}}
{{1996–97 in English football}}
{{Women's football in England}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}


[[Category:1996–97 in English women's football|Cup]]
[[Category:1996–97 in English women's football|Cup]]
[[Category:FA Women's Cup finals]]
[[Category:Women's FA Cup finals]]
[[Category:Sport in the London Borough of Newham]]
[[Category:Football competitions in London]]
[[Category:May 1997 sports events in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1997 sports events in London]]
[[Category:London Bees]]
[[Category:Millwall Lionesses L.F.C.]]

Latest revision as of 00:41, 16 September 2024

1997 FA Women's Cup Final
Event1996–97 FA Women's Cup
Millwall Lionesses Wembley
1 0
Date4 May 1997
VenueUpton Park, London
Player of the MatchCarol Harwood
RefereeClive Wilkes (Gloucestershire)
Attendance3,015
← 1996
1998 →

The 1997 FA Women's Cup Final was the 27th final of the FA Women's Cup, England's primary cup competition for women's football teams. The showpiece event was the fourth to be played directly under the auspices of the Football Association (FA) and was known as the UK Living FA Women's Cup Final for sponsorship reasons. Millwall Lionesses and Wembley contested the match at West Ham United's Upton Park in London on 4 May 1997. Millwall Lionesses made their second final appearance, after winning the trophy in 1991 with a 1–0 win over Doncaster Belles at Prenton Park. Wembley appeared in the final for the first time, having won the previous season's FA Women's Premier League Cup competition.[1]

As FA Women's Premier League National Division clubs, both teams entered the competition at the fourth round stage. Millwall Lionesses beat Chelsea (3–0), Doncaster Belles (3–0), Aston Villa (4–1, after extra time) and Croydon (1–1, 3–1 on penalties) to reach the final. Wembley needed extra time in all three games to defeat Tranmere Rovers (2–1), Preston Rangers (1–0) and Berkhamsted Town (3–1) to reach a semi final with Arsenal. Their subsequent 1–0 victory over Arsenal at Borehamwood was considered a major upset.[2]

Background

[edit]

Millwall Lionesses won the Cup for the first time in 1991, when it was run under the auspices of the Women's Football Association. After their 1–0 final victory over Doncaster Belles, the winning squad broke up and players moved to rival clubs. Several players including future England manager Hope Powell founded a new club called Bromley Borough, which became Croydon then Charlton Athletic.

Only Julie Fletcher, at 16 the youngest member of the 1991 squad, and Lou Waller, employed by parent–club Millwall as a community officer, remained with the team. In Waller's words: "We had to shunt all the teams up. The reserves became the seniors, the juniors became the reserves."[3] By 1997 Millwall Lionesses' emphasis on youth development had produced international calibre players such as Mary Phillip, Katie Chapman, Danielle Murphy and Carly Hunt. England's first–choice goalkeeper Pauline Cope had also returned to the club from Arsenal. In March 1997 Millwall Lionesses defeated Everton in the final of the FA Women's Premier League Cup.[4]

Manager John Jones had taken over District Line LFC in 1982 and led them to a series of promotions. In 1993 they were promoted to the FA Women's Premier League National Division and tied up with Wembley FC to enter the top division. Part of the deal was a merger with Pinner Park Girls FC, which meant that Wembley inherited Pinner Park's Kelly Smith.

As a former Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Navy, Jones ensured his team were strong and fit. He favoured an unorthodox 3–2–3–2 formation which accommodated a blend of promising youngsters and experienced campaigners such as Naz Ball. Wembley's progress culminated in a shock FA Women's Premier League Cup win over Doncaster Belles in March 1996.[5]

Jones was angry when his players subsequently began to join rival clubs, attributing their departure to "a little bit of, shall we say, greed."[6] Since the win over Doncaster Belles, three players had moved to Arsenal (Smith, Kim Jerray-Silver and goalkeeper Sarah Reed) and another three to final opponents Millwall Lionesses (Sally Ede, Pam Bedzrah and Justine Lorton).

Match

[edit]

Summary

[edit]

Watched by a crowd of 3,015, Millwall Lionesses won the match 1–0, with a winning goal early in the second half from Lou Waller.[7] Justine Lorton, who had signed from Wembley the previous summer, delivered a corner kick which was turned in at the near post by Waller, a survivor of Millwall Lionesses' 1991 Cup win. In a close contest, Wembley's defence reportedly played extremely well but their veteran strike–force were unable to threaten Pauline Cope in the Millwall Lionesses goal.

After the match, victorious Millwall Lionesses players sang "No one likes us, we don't care" with their supporters. They also sang "How Bizarre" by OMC which had become the team's unofficial anthem.[8]

Details

[edit]
Millwall Lionesses1–0Wembley
Lou Waller 51' Report
Attendance: 3,015
Referee: Clive Wilkes (Gloucestershire)
Millwall Lionesses
Wembley
GK 1 England Pauline Cope (c)
DF 2 Republic of Ireland Abbie Walsh
DF 8 England Mary Phillip
DF 5 England Katie Chapman downward-facing red arrow 87'
MF 11 England Tina Lindsay
MF 6 England Danielle Murphy
MF 4 England Lou Waller
MF 3 United States Tracy Osborn
MF 10 England Justine Lorton
FW 9 England Pru Buckley
FW 7 England Sally Ede downward-facing red arrow 88'
Substitutes:
DF 12 England Julie Fletcher upward-facing green arrow 87'
FW 16 England Pam Bedzrah upward-facing green arrow 88'
GK 13 England Katrina Knowler
FW 14 England Nina Downham
DF 15 England Sophie Chapman
Manager:
England Jim Hicks
GK 1 England Lesley Higgs
DF 2 England Kirsty Hewitson
DF 5 England Carol Harwood
DF 3 England Lynn Frampton
MF 4 England Siobhan Melia (c)
MF 8 England Donna Burns
MF 6 England Julie Darby
MF 10 England Michelle Lee downward-facing red arrow 85'
MF 7 England Paula Callinan downward-facing red arrow 70'
FW 9 Wales Naz Ball
FW 11 England Tracy Koch
Substitutes:
MF 15 England Lois Fidler upward-facing green arrow 70'
MF 14 England Sue Jones upward-facing green arrow 85'
GK 13 England Orla Harrell
FW 12 Israel Ayala Liran
FW 16 England Jessica Lippiatt
Manager:
England John Jones

Player of the match

Match officials

Match rules

  • 90 minutes.
  • 30 minutes of extra-time if necessary.
  • Penalty shoot-out if scores still level.
  • Five named substitutes.
  • Maximum of three substitutions.

Post match

[edit]

A recording of the full game was broadcast at 18:00 BST by Cup sponsors, the cable television channel UK Living.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Erik Garin. "England - List of Women Cup Winners". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  2. ^ Aldis, Colin (5 April 2011). "Miracles and Upsets Do Happen..." She Kicks. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  3. ^ Davies, Pete (23 March 1997). "Lionesses aim to keep pride intact". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  4. ^ Aldis, Colin (21 May 1997). "FA Premier League Cup Final, 1996-97". WomenSoccer.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  5. ^ Davies, Pete (11 March 1996). "Wembley's flair rewarded in shoot-out". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  6. ^ Baker, Andrew (4 May 1997). "Football: They're on their way to Upton ...". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  7. ^ "Mill-Waller.(Sport)". Daily Mirror. 5 May 1997. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  8. ^ Slegg, Chris; Phillips, Owen (7 May 2021). "Now you see her". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 May 2021. My main memory is of being in the dressing room afterwards and my first born Jordan, who was two by then, being on one of the girl's shoulders as we all jumped around singing a song that was really popular at the time - How Bizarre by OMC. "That song became our anthem because of just how mad things seemed to be at the club at that time.
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