Lauren James opened the scoring early on, capitalising on a defensive mistake from the Reds and producing a typically assured finish.

Chances came and went at both ends before half-time substitute Aggie Beever-Jones prodded the ball into the net to double our lead with less than 15 minutes remaining.

The Blues had defended doggedly all afternoon and that persistence was maintained until the closing stages as we saw the game out to win the competition for the fourth time in our history.

A sizeable chunk of the crowd – which was a record for a Women’s League Cup final – were wearing blue, and they got the party started when the final whistle blew after watching their team produce yet again on the big stage.

'It means a lot,' said Sonia Bompastor afterwards.

'I’m really pleased for my players. We worked hard. We have a really big month with a lot of games, so this is the best way to start the month. When you have the opportunity to win a trophy, you have to take it. When you are a winner, that’s what you do. My players deserved it.'

Congratulations, Blues!