CHELSEA manager Emma Hayes said on Saturday that she felt the FA Cup final was hampered by playing in 3pm Summer heat.

Ji So Yun’s first-half goal sealed the victory for the club in what was the first Women’s FA Cup final to be held at Wembley stadium.

The women’s game is in the middle of what some would call a “golden era” after the England team reached the World Cup semi-finals. With the FA Cup final being played at Wembley again next year, Saturday’s game was the perfect example to show new watchers and supporters what the women’s game has to offer.

But Hayes felt that the timing of the final hampered the match. The men’s final had been moved to a 5.30pm kick-off and the Chelsea boss feels the players were unable to showcase their true talents due to the 3pm heat.

“It was a hot day and I think that did slow some of the play down. For those tuning in, of course you want to see a fast, frantic pacey game.

“Well if you want that, maybe you should put the FA Cup final in the evening and not in a midsummer’s afternoon because it’s hard for both sets of players.

“When I was standing at the touchline I was thinking: ‘It is so hot down here’ so I think that may have affected the ebb and flow of the game. However, I think it was quality and for people tuning in you see the likes of a Ji So Yun and little moments of quality from Eni Aluko or Gemma Davison.

“Instantly you will be attracted to that. On the downside there wasn’t enough goals but I’m not in the business of entertainment, I am in the business of winning. For me that’s the priority.”