Arsenal overpower Ladies in cup

Arsenal 8-1 West Ham United

Arsenal Ladies proved too strong for West Ham United Ladies on Sunday afternoon to cruise through comfortably in the FA Cup fifth round.

The European champions won four major honours last season and fielded a full-strength side for the derby at Boreham Wood this afternoon. It meant the Hammers, who play in a division below their hosts, were up against a team dominated by England internationals. Arsenal's victory was never in doubt - they were ahead inside two minutes - and a Sam Pittuck goal for the visitors proved simply a consolation.

Manager Tony Marshall said: "I am proud of all those who played today, they gave everything, obviously Arsenal deserved their victory and I wish them well, but I don't feel the score truly reflects our teams performance today." The teams will do battle again on Thursday evening in the London County Cup, with a 7.30pm kick-off at Harlow Town.

West Ham United: Paris Smith, Carly Roache, Jess Barling, Chelsea Fowler (Hannah Gilmour 75), Grace Coombs, Julia Setford (Tracy Duxbury 55). Lindsey Morgan, Sam Pittuck, Natalie Gafton, Sophie Walker (Dani Hoy 82) , Katie Ling.
Subs not used: Clare Rogers, Toni Monroe.