Arsenal goalscorer Grant persisted to cause trouble down the middle, but central defenders Johnson and Whelan commanded the Everton half with confidence.

Strong goal-kicks from Brown spearheaded the Everton attack with great accuracy as they fought hard to draw level.

Captain Williams found space for a strike six minutes from the interval but a heavy deflection sent it wide.

A tough challenge from Jayne Ludlow brought Dowie down midfield; Williams fired her following free-kick effort straight at Arsenal’s wall.

Johnson immediately sent the ball back in, but the bounce proved too high for Jill Scott to connect with.

Williams gave the hosts their first chance of an equaliser in the second half but her strike drifted wide of goal.

Tough and physical challenges continued as a tackle from behind on Scott gave Williams a perfectly-placed chance to put her set-piece practice to work, but her precision lacked the power to trouble the waiting Arsenal keeper.

Persistent attacking from Handley gave the hosts several chances from set-pieces, Williams’s efforts getting closer and closer.

And Williams continued to control proceedings, as a misdirected clearance allowed for another strike to be deflected on the hour.

A nervy, nail-biting final third ensued. Dowie causing problems for the hosts, and Williams gaining strength with every touch.

Arsenal’s Kiera Grant looked to keep the energetic Dowie under control, but it didn’t go unnoticed by the referee, and Handley stepped-up to feed a forceful free-kick in for Everton Ladies.

A forceful battle in the final ten minutes had fans on the edge of their seats, as left-back Rachel Unitt continued to provide Williams and Duggan with last-gasp chances. Yankey followed suit for the visitors, but was swiftly hunted down by the Everton back-line.

And after an epic period of extra-time, it was celebrations for the London club – who lifted the trophy aloft for the sixth successive season, and dejection for Everton from a result that didn’t reflect their outstanding contribution.