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Sam Kerr scored two goals to help Chelsea win the Women’s FA Cup at Wembley, repeating his success in the 2021 final when he hit twice.
Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Manchester City on Sunday saw Australian teammate Alana Kennedy catch a mistake by the Matildas captain, and a compatriot Haley Raso sealed the victory after scoring for City in extra time.
The match was watched by 49,094 people, a new record for the women’s FA Cup final.
Kerr opened the scoring 33 minutes later, scoring in the fourth consecutive domestic final.
City equalized through England’s Lauren Hemp before the break, but Scottish international Erin Cuthbart’s stunning goal in the 62nd minute restored Chelsea’s lead.
With 15 minutes left, City brought Raso off the bench and he equalized in the 88th minute.
Within nine minutes of extra time Kennedy tried and failed to cut the clearance by allowing Kerr to race from half line.
His shot, with a heavy deflection from Alex Greenwood, proved decisive.
It was cruel on Kennedy, who was otherwise outstanding.
“(League and Cup) Double, it’s amazing,” said Kerr, who scored two great goals against Manchester United seven days ago to win the Women’s Super League title for Chelsea.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of this club – it’s the best club in the world and I’m very proud. It was an incredible ride. “
Kerr, who has also scored in the last two League Cup finals, now has eight goals in four English club finals.
The first of the WSL Golden Boot winners was a hunter’s goal.
England defender Millie Bright found herself on the right wing and sent off a weird cross that goalkeeper Eli Roebuck had misunderstood.
Kerr, however, landed the flight perfectly and reached the post an inch away from the goal line to head the ball.
Eight minutes later, England’s rising star Hemp returned City to the game.
The winger stood out brightly before cutting inside and curling a shot inside the far post.
Cuthbert regained Chelsea’s lead, cracking a shot from 20 yards that went just outside the crossbar.
Rosso’s role revived City and equalized when Chelsea captain Magda Erickson was brilliantly converted with a long pass from Greenwood to his chest.
Often, however, Kerr had the final word.
© AAP