By Tony Leighton

Smith struck in the second half to secure victory for her side

A late goal by England striker Kelly Smith earned Arsenal a narrow victory in the Women's Community Shield.

The win gave the Gunners revenge for last season's Premier League Cup final defeat by Everton.

Smith struck 18 minutes from time at Macclesfield to claim victory over last season's runners-up and Arsenal's closest rivals.

In a low-key game, the Gunners enjoyed the majority of the possession but Everton created several goal chances.

The Toffees almost went ahead in the 13th minute, left-winger Jo Potter's 15-yard shot forcing goalkeeper Emma Byrne into an excellent diving save.

As the Gunners gained control, however, right-back Alex Scott and striker Kelly Smith both had goal-bound efforts cleared by central defender Lindsay Johnson.

Johnson was the saviour again when she flung herself in the way of Gemma Davison's low 31st-minute shot following a blunder by central defender Rachel Unitt.

But Everton grabbed the initiative towards the interval and should have equalised in first-half stoppage time, right winger Toni Duggan brilliantly weaving her way past three defenders but then shooting well wide of the far post.

Arsenal missed a much simpler chance 13 minutes after the break, when midfielder Jayne Ludlow sent a free header wide from just six yards out.

Just after the hour Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown had to make a point-blank save from right winger Karen Carney.

But when the same two players tangled on the edge of the penalty area in the 72nd minute, the ball broke loose for Smith to clinch victory with a neat 20-yard chip into the empty net.

Arsenal manager Vic Akers said: "It was nice after losing to Everton in the League Cup final to start the new season with a good win against them. The first half was even, but we dominated the second half and we were worthy winners.

"It sends a message out - we've lost a few players in the summer, but it's still going to take a good team to beat us."

Everton manager Mo Marley said: "They kept the ball better than us in the second half and in the end deserved the victory.

"But there was still not a lot between us and we'll challenge them this season - they've got the Community Shield, but I'll sacrifice that for winning the Premier League."

Arsenal Ladies: Byrne, Scott, Tracy, Ludlow, Flaherty, Grant, Smith, Yankey, Davison, Carney, Bassett.
Subs: White, Spencer, Little, Ross, Bird.

Everton Ladies: Rachel Brown, Easton, Unitt, Fara Williams, Westwood, Johnson, Duggan, Scott, Dowie, Potter, Evans.
Subs: Danielle Hill, Hinnigan, Cleaver-Kane, Christiansen, Boyle.