[7] Arsenal took the lead after three minutes, when Leeds's Lucy Ward – playing out of position at centre-back[8] – miscued a clearance then headed the resultant corner past her own goalkeeper Gemma Fay.

One minute later it was 3–0 as Rachel Yankey's attempted cross[9] from a free kick from the right wing sailed over the head of Gemma Fay, who misjudged the flight of the ball.

Leeds manager Julie Chipchase later admitted tactical errors in assigning Nicole Emmanuel a marking job on Kelly Smith and bringing Nat Preston back for her first game since a serious injury in January.

[12] On 73 minutes, Leeds's 16 year old winger Jess Clarke tripped Yankey to concede a penalty kick which Kelly Smith, playing in her first FA Cup final, converted to make it 4–0.

With five minutes remaining Leeds substituted Karen Walker, who left the pitch for the final time to a standing ovation.