The 2000 FA Women's Cup Final was the 30th final of the FA Women's Cup, England's primary cup competition for women's football teams. It was the seventh final to be held under the direct control of the Football Association (FA). The match was contested by Doncaster Belles and Croydon Women at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on 1 May 2000. Croydon made its third final appearance, after winning in 1996 but losing the 1998 final. Doncaster Belles entered a record 12th final having won the trophy on six previous occasions.
Croydon entered the competition at the fourth round stage and beat Tranmere Rovers, Liverpool, Everton and Leeds United to reach the final. Doncaster Belles also entered at the fourth round and faced Brighton & Hove Albion, Garswood Saints, Wembley Mill Hill and holders Arsenal before reaching the final. Doncaster's 3–2 semi final victory over Arsenal took place at Field Mill before Sky Sports television cameras.
It was reported that Doncaster had been gripped by Cup final excitement after the Belles reached the final for the first time in six years. The club laid on coaches for the short trip to Bramall Lane and an official Cup final song, Northern Pride, was recorded by the team.
Croydon won the match 2–1, with goals from Carmaine Walker and Gemma Hunt. Vicky Exley had equalised for the Belles, while Karen Walker had a penalty kick saved by Croydon goalkeeper Pauline Cope.
Hunt's winning goal was disputed, with Doncaster players arguing the ball had not crossed the goal line.
Match details
GK 1 Leanne HallDF 4 Mandy LoweDF 5 Claire UtleyDF 6 Michelle JacksonDF 2 Lizzie GomersallDF 3 Aran EmbletonMF 8 Gillian Coultard (c)MF 7 Denise Thomas MF 11 Vicky ExleyFW 9 Karen WalkerFW 10 Melanie Garside Substitutes:MF 14 Sarah Abrahams FW 12 Gail Borman FW 15 Jo TorrDF 17 Lizzie HowdenDF 16 Emma GlencManager: Julie Chipchase GK 1 Pauline CopeDF 6 Kyproulla LoizouDF 5 Gill Wylie (c)DF3 Julie FletcherDF 7 Emily ArnoldMF 4 Gemma Hunt MF2 Sharon BarberMF 8 Debbie BamptonMF 11 Tara ProctorFW 9 Carmaine WalkerFW 10 Joanne BroadhurstSubstitutes:DF 16 Alex CottierFW 15 Alexa HunnDF 12 Tina Mapes GK 17 Andrea CowanDF 14 Julie DarbyPlayer/Manager: Debbie Bampton
Player of the match Pauline Cope (Croydon)
Assistant referees: Gillian Armstrong S. Robinson Fourth official: J. H. BenfoldMatch rules 90 minutes. 30 minutes of extra-time if necessary. Penalty shoot-out if scores still level. Five named substitutes. Maximum of three substitutions.
References