SUNDERLAND LADIES suffered a 7-0 thumping at Arsenal in the SSE Women's FA Cup semi-final.

The Gunners had Emma Mitchell sent off after 33 minutes at Borehamwood for two yellow cards in three minutes, and they led thanks to Danielle van de Donk.

The Dutch forward bundled home after Dominque Janssen’s shot was parried by Rachel Laws in the Sunderland goal.

Ten minutes after the break, Natalia Pablos Sanchon broke down the left and squared it to Dan Carter who poked the ball home.

On 74 minutes, Sunderland's were down to ten when Abby Holmes sliced down van de Donk, leaving the referee no choice but to give a penalty and send Holmes off. Fara Williams stepped up to score Arsenal's third and the Lady Black Cats collapsed.

Vvan de Donk finished Natalia’s cross before Jordan Nobbs, outstanding throughout, rounded Laws to net.

Van de Donk completed her treble with five minutes left when she chipped over Laws and Carter added when she scored from a Kelly Smith cross to send the hosts to Wembley in style.

Dejected Sunderland manager Carlton Fairweather admitted: “I don't know where to start to be honest,” he said. “We lacked the quality, lacked the determination, lacked the understanding. We were just poor all round and that's what is most upsetting.

“Credit to Arsenal, they worked very hard despite being down to 10 players, they're a really good side and you could see that today.

“We always knew that anyway, and for some reason we thought the game was over when they went down to 10. Obviously that has come back to bite us on the backside.

“It's definitely going to be something we look at this week ahead of our game against Liverpool on Saturday.

“It's a massive confidence blow and it does feel devastating. We finished better than last year but obviously it’s disappointing what we’ve done today.”

This year’s Final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 14 May and thanks to The FA's partnership with SSE, all children will be able to attend for free. Adult tickets are priced £15 and group bookings and charter standard discounts are also available. Tickets for the final are on sale now via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.