Arsenal, managed by Vic Akers, reached their fourth FA Women's Cup final in succession after a 3–1 victory against Everton in the semi-finals, while Premier League Northern Division side Sunderland, managed by Mick Mulhern, reached their first ever final in the competition after beating Chelsea 3–0 at the Stadium of Light, becoming the first team from outside the top flight to do so since Fulham in 2002.
