LIVERPOOL, May 15 (SW) - The English Woman's Premier League finally came to conclusion today with a tense encounter between Everton and Charlton Athletic. Declan McDonald St Mirren Boys player and Rachel Unitt fan was Everton's mascot for the day and he led out the teams in what turned out to be a hard fought encounter.

Much of the play confined to the midfield and at times was quite scrappy. Charlton had the first chance with a free kick 25 yards outside the area but Casy Stoney's kick was well held by Rachel Brown. Everton then pushed forward winning a series of corners. Fara Williams got a head onto one of these kicks to pull out a save from Pauline Cope. Then Amy McCann won a free kick in front of goal but Fara Williams fired her shot against the wall. On 22 minutes a Unitt long ball forward found Handley but her surge forward was intercepted by Karen Hills and the ball was cleared for another corner. Williams got on to Evan's kick laying it off for Kelly McDougall to have a crack at goal which Cope turned away. Strangly a corner kick wasn't given and Charlton tried to build another attack. Many of Charlton's chances however were limited to long range shots and free kicks which the Everton keeper comfortably dealt with. However a high cross from the left by Hincks caused an anxious moment when it came down onto the crossbar. Brown however was able to gather the ball when it dropped into play despite the close attention of Amanda Barr.

Charlton started the second half in lively mood Eartha Pond sent in a high cross which everyone missed with the exception of Rachel Brown. Everton from there got back on the attack forcing another corner which Hills managed to clear. The game became more and more bogged down and late on England International Aluko came on for Charlton to try and break the deadlock. In a push forward she was fouled by Unitt. Potter sent in the free kick for Casy Stoney to latch onto but her header went over the bar. Unitt then picked up an ankle injury in a tackle with Potter but decided to play on despite being in obvious pain. Into the last five minutes and Evans pressing forward down the left was brought down. Fara Williams took the kick sending a good cross to the far post where Kelly McDougall diving in was able to direct the ball past Cope to give Everton the lead and send the crowd into raptures. After the match Charlton keeper Pauline Cope announced her retirement, a slightly disappointing end to her career but Everton finished the season as runners up and will start the season with the Charity Shield match with Arsenal. It has been a long season but for next term the league will be extended by two teams so who knows when next season will finish. Blackburn have already taken their place with a 4-0 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers and in the play offs for the other places Liverpool drew with Chelsea 1-1 and Sunderland had a good 4-2 win against Bristol City.

Everton – Charlton Athletic 1-0 (0-0)

Goal: 85. Kelly McDougall 1-0

Attendance: 230