Arsenal needed to come from behind to beat Bristol Academy 4-1 and open up a lead of six points at the top of the National Division.
 
In the only top flight match to be played, Arsenal's five-year unbeaten league run looked to be under threat as Academy took the lead on the half hour through a tremendous strike from Grace McCatty. The home side were worthy of their advantage at half time in front of a large crowd at Oaklands Park.
 
It took seven minutes after the break for Arsenal to get back on level terms. A mis-hit clearance from a corner looped back goalwards and Faye White was on hand to nod home the equaliser. Then a Rachel Yankey cross struck the face of the bar and Julie Fleeting prodded home the rebound from close range.
 
Arsenal were now producing their best form and Fleeting scored her second with a neat finish from Kelly Smith's through ball. With fourteen minutes remaining, Fleeting completed her hat-trick with a firm downward header which went in off the post after Rachel Simkin managed to get her hands to the ball. Simkin pulled off a string of fine saves late on as Arsenal sought further goals to round off a hard earned victory.