'Worthy winners'

After scoring the goal that gave Arsenal victory in The FA Women's Community Shield, Kelly Smith says she feels ready for the start of the season as the Gunners look to make it six straight Premier League titles.

Smith told TheFA.com: "It was a good test for us, the last game before the league campaign kicks-off for us, and it was an important game.

"I think we did ok in the first-half, but we were frustrated a little by giving the ball away a little too cheaply and not taking our chances. At half-time we said that we need more from our front three which I think they did in the second-half and we threatened more.

"We came away worthy winners I thought, especially after the performance in the second-half."

With a number of players absent through injury including captain Faye White and prolific forward Julie Fleeting, Smith believes that Arsenal will only get stronger as the season progresses.

"Vic has number of options that he can call upon, he has signed two prominsing youngsters [Kim Little and Niamh Fahey] who will be pushing for places, and of course Julie Fleeting is still to come back from injury.

"Over the summer we've all had a much needed rest, perhaps longer than we should have, but the players have all been on various holidays to just get away from football completely for a while. We're back into a fitness regime with England and also our pre-season with Arsenal, so it has been quite intense in the last month and everybody seems ready to put in a big effort."

Looking ahead to a big season for Arsenal and England, Smith says that success is crucial on both fronts.

"Our aim with England is obviously to qualify for the Euros, we have two remaining games and they are crucial - that's a must with the national team," Smith explained.

"With Arsenal our goal is to retain the League title and win as many major cup competitions as we can.

"Winning the Uefa Women's Cup a year ago was a great achievement for the team, obviously we got knocked out at the quarter-final stage last season which was frustrating but I think the better team won on that occasion.

"We're looking to push for the final, it's the best tournament and we want to be involved in that for as long as possible."

While Arsenal lead the way in English Women's football Everton are very much on their tails, as proved by their victory in the Premier League Cup Final in February, and Smith says that competition can only bring out the best in Arsenal.

"I was very impressed with Everton tonight and I thought they kept the ball very well, they are obviously very well coached by Mo [Marley]. Going forward they lacked a little bit of composure in front of goal but that will come as the season gets underway.

"They always give us a good game and they are closing on us all the time, and that can only be good for us. We want that competition."

Despite scoring the goal that won the game for the Gunners, Smith says she was surprised to be named 'Player of the Match'.

"I said to the players in the dressing room that even though I got the Player of the Match award I didn't feel I deserved it, because I couldn't pass to a red shirt tonight, the only thing I did right was the goal.

"I'm pleased that I was in the right place at the right time and my goal won us the Shield."