England miss golden opportunity
The England Under-18 women's team's attempts to qualify for the UEFA European Championships for the first time took a knock when they drew 2-2 with Spain in Marseilles this afternoon.
England took the lead in the ninth minute when Alexa Hunn rifled home from 18 yards out.
The lead did not last long and Spain, who drew 3-3 with the hosts in the first game, equalised in the 18th minute through Laura del Rio Garcia.
Chances fell for both sides until the 35th minute when the game turned in England's favour thanks to a memorable piece of individual skill from Fara Williams. The Chelsea player received the ball 25 yards out, ghosted past one player and hit a cracking 20- yard shot that left the Spanish keeper stranded.
England had the better of the second half but could not take their chances and were left to pay the price when the Spaniards equalised a minute after having a player sent off for a stamping offence on Katie Chapman.
England, with a player over, poured forward and looked to have won the game when a penalty was awarded to Hope Powell's side in the dying minutes. Amanda Barr, who has scored 11 goals for England, stepped up to take the penalty only to see her spot-kick hit the crossbar.
England: Toni-Anne Wayne (Arsenal), Leannne Champ (Millwall Lionesses), Rachel Unitt (Everton), Katie Chapman (Fulham), CaseyStoney (Arsenal), Catherine Lawson (Notts Forest), Gemma Hunt (Charlton Ath), Alexa Hunn (Charlton Ath), Amanda Barr (Doncaster Belles), Fara Williams (Chelsea), Corinne Yarston (Southampton)
Subs: Kelly McGougall (Everton) for Williams 45);Jessica Wright (Berkhamsted Town) for Lawson 68; Katie Ward (Wolves) for Hunn80.