Advantage Arsenal after Scott strike

A late Alex Scott goal worthy of winning any game gave Arsenal LFC a dramatic victory at Umeå IK in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Cup final.

Umeå denied
Two-time winners Umeå, in their fourth final in six years, dominated this encounter but despite some tremendous creative play from Marta the Swedish champions found no way past the visitors and their goalkeeper Emma Byrne. Scott then struck with a swerving effort from distance in added time and Arsenal now stage the second leg at Borehamwood next Sunday with high hopes of success in their maiden European final.

Marta skills
Marta took only three minutes to show why she is the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, winning a round of applause from the packed crowd with a flick-up and volleyed clearance near the corner flag. The Brazilian had supporters on their feet moments later, cutting in from the left at the other end and fizzing a shot just over the bar. Her compatriot Elaine then showed a trick of her own before putting the ball on to the roof of the net.

Edlund effort
Despite those South American interventions, the forceful north Swedish breeze into Umeå's backs in the first half was hampering both teams' play, especially Arsenal who more than once saw the ball loop back unexpectedly in their direction. Madelaine Edlund was the next Umeå player to test Byrne, before Marta danced her way past two Arsenal defenders and sent in a shot which was bound for the right-hand corner after a deflection but Byrne showed great agility to dive low and palm it wide.

Carney danger
With a third of the match having passed, Marta almost turned provider with a clever cross but Lisa Dahlqvist failed to get the purchase on her effort and Byrne saved. Arsenal had a fine chance of their own late in the half when Rachel Yankey teed up the lively Karen Carney, whose low drive from the corner of the area just missed the post.

Ljungberg shot
Hanna Ljungberg, recovered from a thigh injury and starting ahead of Chinese starlet Ma Xioaxu, had a quiet first half but within 12 seconds of the game restarting went close. Arsenal striker Lianne Sanderson also threatened after good work from Yankey, while Dahlqvist tested Byrne as both sides picked up the pace. Yet another Marta masterclass created a chance for Ljungberg before, with 63 minutes gone - and no doubt to the delight of viewers watching live in China - Ma was brought on for Ljungberg to add impetus to the home attack.

Asante intervention
Umeå right-back Anna Paulson and Arsenal right-winger Carney then traded efforts, while the marauding Jayne Ludlow could not turn in Julie Fleeting's centre at the far post. Save for a late Marta run, Arsenal were the stronger finishers and after Anita Asante put in a vital tackle which summed up the visitors' determination, Scott, possibly with the aid of the wind, secured what could be a priceless advantage.