England start defence with win
Monday, 24 May, 2010
Three Lions cruise to opening victory of Scots
Mo Marley's England side cruised to an opening day win as they began the defence of their European crown in Macedonia.
Captain Toni Duggan, Isobel Christiansen and Laura Coombs were on target for the Women's Under-19s against Scotland to seal three points in Group A.
With 20 minutes played Duggan made the most of Lucia Bronze's long ball forward, getting in behind the Scottish defence before hitting low past Gemma Clark.
Less than 15 minutes later it was 2-0 as Marley's team began to take control of the match. Christiansen's half volley into the corner of the net was a tidy finish after she'd made the most of a loose-ball inside the box.
Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie breathed life into Scotland midway through the second half dispossessing an England defender and drilling crisply past Rebecca Spencer, but their challenge was dented within five minutes when substitute Coombs restored the two-goal advantage.
The Arsenal midfielder's 25-yard effort gave Clark no chance as England secured the win. The next game is on Thursday against Italy who lost 4-1 to Germany in their first match.