Casey laments missed chances
Monday, 19 September, 2011
Casey Stoney speaks of England's 'frustration' with draw.
By Glenn Lavery
Casey Stoney believes England got "frustrated" at their failure to convert more of their chances against Serbia.
England had cruised into a two-goal, first-half lead courtesy of a Rachel Yankey strike and a Violeta Slovic own goal, but Serbia hit back in the second half and Danka Podovac's free-kick and Vesna Smiljkovic's added time leveller earned the hosts a share of the spoils in this opening Euro 2013 qualifier.
And Stoney says it was the Three Lions' lack of cutting edge which let Serbia back into the contest.
"We had enough chances to get a third and maybe even fourth goal to put the game out of sight, but unfortunately we couldn't convert them," said Stoney, who captained the side in Faye White's absense through injury. "And while we can't finish them off, Serbia are still in the game.
"We were in control in the first half and we dictated the tempo. But we allowed them to get back into it in the second half. I think frustration crept into our game a little bit when we didn't score the goals.
"They deserve credit, though," she said of Serbia. "They've got quite a few talented players who posed a few problems for us.
"It was a good contest and I look forward to playing them at home."
England's next qualifier is against Slovenia on Thursday night (7.30pm kick-off) at Swindon Town's County Ground. Tickets are priced at just £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions, with U7s getting in free. Call the ticket hotline on 0871 876 1993.