Less than four days after securing promotion to the National League Premier Division, Fulham get the chance to lift some more silverware when they take on Birmingham City in the AXA Premier League Cup final.

The Whites became Southern Division champions with a 4-1 away win over Barking on Wednesday night, despite fielding a virtual reserve side.

Manager Gaute Haugenes decided to save several of his first team squad for Sunday's cup final, but two great strikes from Kim Jerray-Silver returning from injury helped secure the victory.

Sunday's cup game is the first of three they will contest before the end of the season.

Last Sunday, they secured their place in the FA Cup final with a 4-1 victory over Premier Division side Charlton Athletic and also have a London County Cup final against Arsenal to look forward to.

But for now, manager Gaute Haugenes and his players are focussing all their attention on Sunday's encounter at Wycombe Wanderers' Adams Park stadium.

It is the first time either side has reached the final of this competition, so both will be eager to make their debut appearance one to remember.

It is also the first time both finalists have beaten top flight opposition on their way to the last stage.

Thrilling

Haugenes' team defeated Arsenal in a thrilling semi-final at Woking's Kingfield Stadium top-scorer Marianne Pettersen hitting the winner in extra-time to make the final score 3-2.

Northern Division leaders Birmingham City who are managed by current Queens Park Rangers' player Marcus Bignot pulled off a surprise semi-final victory over Doncaster Belles, who happen to be Fulham's opponents in this season's FA Cup final.

Fulham are currently unbeaten this season and are the only team to have defeated Birmingham this year.

They overcame City in the FA Cup fifth round, but their opponents on Sunday have already achieved an early breakthrough for their latest encounter.

They won the toss to have the home dressing room for the final, so Fulham will have to use the away changing facilities at Adams Park.

Last season's final was held at Chester City FC and attracted a crowd of 2,500.

But with Wycombe Wand-erers promoting the game in the local area it is hoped a record attendance will be achieved.

Wycombe manager Lawrie Sanchez who is no stranger to cup success himself said: "The Adams Park pitch is renowned for its great playing surface and Birmingham City versus Fulham will be a big attraction for fans.

"I'm sure there will be a good turn out for the game.

"What I have seen of women's football has been of a high standard and skilful, so anyone who has not seen a match should definitely make a date to come to see this game."

April 5, 2002 15:30