England

1-0

Scotland

Williams 30

 

 

England Women v Scotland
International Friendly
12.30pm, Sunday 11 March 2007 
Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers FC
11 Mar 2007
VIDEO: England 1-0 Scotland

A bolt from the blue from Fara Williams gave England a narrow victory over a tenacious Scottish side.

Hope Powell's side came through their second game in three days with another victory, thanks to an incredible finish from Fara Williams.

After storming past Russia 6-0 on Thursday night this was a different test for England, but a very sweet victory nonetheless against Scotland and another crucial preparation match for the World Cup.

With eight changes from the side that comfortably dealt with Russia on Thursday evening, Hope Powell looked to give a number of players more experience and more playing time. Stephanie Houghton made her full debut at right back, while Alex Scott showed her versatility by starting on the right wing.

The Three Lions came close to scoring in the sixth minute, first Fara Williams rose highest to meet a Sue Smith corner only to see her effort cleared off the line. From that clearance Kelly Smith fired in a volley that went narrowly wide of the far post.

Alex Scott and Sue Smith were also presented with promising opportunities through fine work from Kelly Smith, both chances came after captain Smith showed fine skill to glide through the defence.

On the half hour mark England took the lead will a bolt from the blue as Everton midfielder Fara Williams delivered a spectacular opener. Taking the ball down 35 yards out, Williams spotted Gemma Fay off her line and duly punished the keeper.

Joanne Love then squandered a golden opportunity to level the scores just three minutes later, with indecision in the England defence allowing the ball to fall kindly at the feet of the Scottish midfielder but her shot was wayward.

After the break the chances continued to come for the Three Lions and Sue Smith had the most presentable opportunity but was unable to work her Leeds United teammate Gemma Fay.

Making her senior bow between the sticks, Carly Telford was called into action almost immediately as Julie Fleeting fired a dangerous free kick toward the top corner.

Following a surging run from Stephanie Houghton and a fine pass to her former Sunderland colleague Jill Scott, England almost doubled their advantage. Scott was able to round the last defender but her low cross was behind the onrushing forwards in the penalty area.

Anna Signeul's side provided a tough test for England and as part of their trio of friendly games this week, it will be an experience that will undoubtedly benefit them come the World Cup in September.

Teams:

England: 1 Siobhan Chamberlain (13 Carly Telford 45), 2 Stephanie Houghton, 3 Rachel Unitt (18 Corinne Yorston 78), 4 Jill Scott, 5 Laura Bassett, 6 Mary Phillip, 7 Alex Scott (12 Lindsay Johnson 78), 8 Fara Williams, 9 Lianne Sanderson (14 Amanda Barr 58), 10 Kelly Smith (c) (17 Katie Chapman 45), 11 Sue Smith (15 Jo Potter 58)

Subs Not Used: 16 Vicky Exley, 19 Anita Asante, 20 Michelle Hickmott, 21 Kelly McDougall

Scotland: 1 Gemma Fay, 2 Rhonda Jones, 3 Leanne Ross (16 Jayne Sommerville 84), 4 Ifeoma Dieke, 5 Amy McDonald, 6 Joanne Love, 7 Amanda Burns, 8 Kirsty McBride (17 Denise Brolly 81), 9 Megan Sneddon (18 Kim Little 57), 10 Julie Fleeting, 13 Pauline Hamill (11 Suzanne Malone 66)

Subs Not Used: 12 Joanna Hutcheson, 14 Suzanne Grant, 15 Julie Ferguson

Referee: M P Russell

Attendance: 2,066