The decisive moment came eight minutes before half-time, when player-of-the-match Eniola Aluko caused panic in the Notts County defence, driving into the box before finding the run of Ji So-Yun.
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Ji So-Yun’s first-half goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Notts County Ladies in front of a record crowd of 30,701 at the first Women’s FA Cup final to be staged at the national stadium.
Fahey’s worldwide team-mate Fiona O’Sullivan was an 82nd-minute substitute for the Magpies but couldn’t make the most of a late headed chance.
Chelsea Ladies have not yet been able to emulate the success of their male counterparts in recent times, but England global Eniola Aluko is hopeful the Women’s FA Cup triumph can provide a springboard for more glory.
Her best pass of the first half, a lovely through ball between Alex Greenwood and Amy Turner, fell into Aluko’s path – but after rounding the on-rushing Carly Telford, the England striker hit her shot into the side netting from a tight angle. “It’s been a long time coming”.
After a quiet start the London club began to carry the greater threat – and they got stronger as the first half went on.
Hayes was delighted with her side’s display and expressed her pride at securing the cup.
From the resulting corner, Davison was needed on the back post to smash away a Leanne Crichton header that would have crept in the bottom corner.
Bassett, a Chelsea player last season, had admitted before the match yesterday that lifting the trophy with Notts County “would be an iconic picture but that is not my motivation”.
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They trail surprise leaders Sunderland Ladies by a point but Davison hopes winning the Women’s FA Cup will give Chelsea the momentum they need to land the title this season.
