BOTH finalists in Monday’s FA Women’s Cup shoot-out at Derby are bidding for a double this season.

But both Sunderland and strong favourites Arsenal have undergone the jitters since winning their respective semifinals in late March.

As a result the traditional showpiece end to the season will not be the last significant action for either Sunderland or Arsenal, who have key league matches in their respective divisions in the fortnight following the final.

Arsenal’s dominance of the women’s game has been largely unchallenged in recent seasons under the experienced eye of the female side’s founder and men’s team kitman, Vic Akers.

In an unprecedented run they have won ten Premier League titles, nine FA Cups and ten League Cups, as well as the UEFA Cup in 2007.

But with the advent of the new US Women’s Pro League, the invincible female Gunners have lost a trio of England internationals, Kelly Smith and Alex Scott to the Boston Breakers, and Karen Carney to the Chicago Red Stars.

Add to that the departures of Lianne Sanderson and Anita Asante to rivals Chelsea, plus the retirement of experienced defender Mary Phillip, and the previously ‘unbeatable’ Arsenal have revealed a hint of vulnerability.

The recent shock 3-0 defeat to title rivals Everton ended the club’s incredible 108-game unbeaten league run and was followed by an equally surprising goalless draw with Doncaster Belles.

It means they must beat Everton in the return match, on May 10, to retain the league title for the sixth season running.

Equally, Sunderland’s apparent serene stroll to the Premier Northern Division title, which would guarantee promotion to meet Arsenal regularly at National Division level, has also come into question in the lull since the heady semifinal victory over Chelsea.

Defeats to Manchester City and Leicester, and a draw with derby rivals Newcastle, left Mick Mulhern’s side needing to win their last four league games to overhaul leaders Lincoln by a point.

Form and confidence has returned with big wins, 11-0 and 7-1 in the first two of those games, at home to Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, but a tricky trip to Leicester and a less daunting visit to Preston must yield further wins to ensure promotion.

Coach Mulhern said he is pleased the final is now next on the agenda.

“One or two players took their eye off the ball after the semi-final win and we’ve had a dip in the league.

“But we can now focus on the cup final and then face the two big league games to finish the season.”

With promotion the priority, the cup run has been a bonus, bringing the self-funding club much-needed prize money, £3,500 so far with a further £5,000 or £1,000 up for grabs, depending on the outcome on Monday.

■ FA and Derby County officials hope Monday’s final (1pm kick-off, to be screened live on ITV1), will draw a record crowd for a competitive women’s match this season, possibly in excess of 30,000.

Tickets cost just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, with group discounts also available and applications can be made via the Pride Park ticket hotline, on 0871 4721884.