England

2-0

Scotland

Owen 35, Longhurst 50

 


Nationwide Under-17 Tournament Final
Gloucester
Friday 14 April 2006

Goals from Katie Owen and Kate Longhurst handed England victory over Scotland in the final of the Nationwide Under-17 Tournament at Gloucester on Good Friday.

Owen - a familiar name for England fans - gave England the lead in the 35th minute before Longhurst wrapped up the win early in the second half.

"All the girls have worked really hard this week and it has paid off," said Owen, who plays for Chelsea. "Every game we've played has been a good performance, we are a really close squad and the whole experience has been great."

Fellow goalscorer Longhurst was also delighted.

"It has been fantastic, experiencing tournament football for the first time as well as learning different strategies and tactics, and putting them into practice."

On a bobbly surface, Scotland started brightly and enjoyed early possession, driven by impressive midfield duo Kim Little and Jennifer Beattie, but could not find a way through a strong England defence. One slip did give Kaydee Lowe an opportunity but her shot was well blocked by Sophie Bradley.

Chances were few at either end but England were to strike with virtually their first chance of the match after winning a corner on the right five minutes before the interval. Clare Rafferty's kick was flicked on to the far post where Ellen White's header was turned home on the line by Owen.

"I was right on the line when I put it in," said Owen. "It was a quick reaction from Ellen White's header and a fantastic moment for me."

Scotland hit back with a 20-yard shot from Lowe which dipped just over but England finished the half strongly as another good cross from Rafferty picked out Longhurst whose shot was saved by Lorna Brownlie.

After the restart, Scotland enjoyed the early pressure and almost got back on level terms but Beattie's header was just off target.

England extended their lead when Lizzie Edwards released White down the left. Her cross picked out Longhurst who planted a left foot shot past Brownlie and into the corner of the net to make it 2-0.

White almost added a third four minutes later, latching onto an excellent pass from Edwards and stabbing her shot past Brownlie but just wide of the post. Remi Allen, moments after coming on as a substitute, also went close from 20 yards with a well struck effort.

Longhurst almost scored her second goal of the game when she was sent away by White's pass but she was foiled by a good block from Brownlie.

England: HAlderson (EMorphitis 77), C Weston, S Walton, J Moore (R Allen 55), S Bradley, G Flaherty, K Owen, L Edwards (F McCoy 77), K Longhurst, E White, C Rafferty (V Vickery 67).

Subs not used: B Fox, G Giddings, O Thackray.

Scotland: L Brownlie, R McCallum (N Deans 55), C McKelvie, J Beattie, S Handley, M McKean (L Reid 46), K Little, L McMillan (J Blackmore 79), C McCulloch (C Murray 74), K Lowe, D Dalziel.

Subs not used: R Harrison, M Stirling, N Deans.