Sonia Bompastor cannot hide her delight after Chelsea retain Women’s League Cup

Sonia Bompastor described herself as “really proud” after Chelsea retained the Subway Women’s League Cup with a 2-0 win over Manchester United at Ashton Gate.

Lauren James put the Blues ahead in the 19th minute after she capitalised on a mistake from United defender Dominique Janssen.

The Red Devils had their chances to draw level, but Aggie Beever-Jones was able to slot past Phallon Tullis-Joyce from a Johanna Rytting Kaneryd cross as Chelsea lifted the trophy for the fourth time.

Bompastor admitted her team deserved the success amid a tough season, putting aside their Women’s Super League struggles to pick up the first bit of silverware.

She told BBC Sport: “A lot of happiness because it’s always difficult to play in a final and win.

“Sometimes people just think because we are Chelsea, it’s just a habit. But it takes a lot for my players to perform and grab a trophy.

“Really proud of my players. Every occasion, they just show up.

“I want to focus on players who are available but if you look at the squad this season, it’s been tough. We have had some big injuries, really important players who were not playing for us, but it just shows the quality we have in the squad.”

While the league title seems unlikely – they sit 10 points behind leaders Manchester City albeit with a game in hand – Chelsea are still in the FA Cup and Champions League.

The Frenchwoman added: “I just want the players to celebrate a little bit, but we are playing again on Wednesday (against Brighton), an important game. We are used to that and love to be in that position.

“I’m really pleased for my players, we have a big month with a lot of games and this is the best start.”

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner was left frustrated with their defeat and rued the “rubbish” goals which Chelsea scored.

He said: “I’m frustrated, so are the players. The play up the pitch was better than Chelsea’s.

“Chelsea have been winning finals for ages, we have to be better in the final finishing phase.

“I’m going to do deep searching tonight, to make sure we can be ruthless in both boxes.

“Chelsea’s goals were rubbish, from our perspective. It won them the game and we have to challenge ourselves.”