Iron to host women's final

Last updated : 20 January 2007 By Luke Thornhill
Kelly Smith
Arsenal will take on Leeds United in the showpiece match on Sunday March 4, kicking-off at 2.30pm.

And it won't be a burden on the pocket - with prices just £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.

Premier League champions Arsenal - who have, incredibly, won every league game they've played this season - are the dominant force in the women's game, and are likely to include a host of big names in their side.

Among their players are England stars Kelly Smith, Katie Chapman and Rachel Yankey, all of whom will be featuring in the World Cup in China later this year.

"The FA looks to take its showpiece matches around the country and we know that the region is increasingly seeing more and more girls and women playing the game," said Peter Hough, chairman of the FA Women's Premier League.

"The facilities at Scunthorpe United are first class, and when the club moved from The Old Showground in 1988 they set the benchmark for a whole new generation of football stadia in this country.

"On the field they are having a tremendous season and we hope that a large number of the club's supporters will come out in force to see some of the most talented female players, many of whom will also carry England's hopes in the World Cup later this year."

It will be the second major FA match to be hosted in North Lincolnshire this year, after the Iron stepped in at the last minute to stage the deciding match of the U-16 Victory Shield.

In the past Glanford Park has hosted men's internationals up to U-21 level, as well as the 1994 FA Women's Cup final.

"We are delighted to be recognised once more by the FA as being able to host such prestigious matches and look forward to hosting this match between two of the top teams in women's football," said Jamie Hammond, the Iron's general manager.

"With prices set to attract in particular junior teams, schools and families, we would love to see the ground at capacity in what is one of the most important years ever for women's football."