Great Scott
Wednesday, 24 February, 2010
Jill Scott scored as England began Cyprus Cup defence with narrow win.
England |
1-0 |
South Africa |
Scott 5 |
|
|
The Cyprus Cup
International Friendly Tournament
Wednesday 24 February 2010
Larnaca, Cyprus England began their defence of the Cyprus Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa in Larnaca.
The goal came in just the fifth minute as Jill Scott nudged home from close range after South Africa failed to deal with a Jody Handley cross.
Hope Powell’s side lifted the Cyprus Cup last year and that success inspired them to reach the Final of the European Championship in Finland. This time around, Powell will be hoping this competition has a similar effect ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifying double-header against Austria and Spain.
Going behind appeared to galvanise the South Africans and they took the game to England, forcing a number of ultimately harmless corners.
England gradually grew into the game but two stubborn defences prevented the creation of many other chances of note in an uninspiring first half and the opening ten minutes of the second followed a similar pattern with neither side able to breach the opposition’s backline.
However, England almost doubled their lead on 55 minutes. A short corner from the right allowed Sue Smith to cross deep but her left-footed centre hit the far post and bounced away from goal.
Then, a mazy run down the left from Jess Clarke allowed her to beat two South African defenders and a driven cross provided Smith with another opportunity to double the advantage, this time in spectacular fashion. The goalkeeper was beaten but the ball just zipped beyond the post. Minutes later, the same pair combined again, only for Smith to fire wide from just outside the six-yard box.
On 77 minutes, England produced a flowing passing move which ended with Emily Westwood firing narrowly wide.
The final ten minutes were relatively scrappy and although England had more possession, South Africa pressed the Three Lions all over the pitch, bringing to a close a very disjointed match.
Next up for England is Canada on Friday.
England1 Rachel Brown (21 Siobhan Chamberlain, 46), 18 Dunia Susi, 3 Casey Stoney, 20 Dani Buet (6 Laura Bassett, 58), 5 Faye White (C) (14 Rachel Unitt, 67), 12 Lindsay Johnson, 7 Jess Clarke (17 Rachel Yankey, 76), 8 Jill Scott, 19 Emily Westwood, 15 Jody Handley, 11 Sue Smith.