Arsenal 2 - Levante Union 1

UEFA Women's Cup

Arsenal Ladies took a massive step towards qualification for the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup with a battling 2-1 win over Spanish side Levante at Bishop's Stortford FC on Thursday night.

Vic Akers' side now have six points from their opening two group games and that means a draw on Sunday against KSC Eendracht Aalst will be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals. We will be firm favourites to win that game. The Belgians have lost 8-0 to both Lavente and Azerbaijani outfit Gomrukcu Baku in their two group games.

On Thursday, the winning goal came just past the hour. Pauline McDonald sent over a free-kick from the right and Faye White rose highest to nod home. It was an exact replica of a goal scored seconds earlier. But the referee had ruled that out because the kick had been taken too early and ordered a re-take.

 

Earlier, a superb piece of individual skill had given us the lead in the 11th minute. Ellen Maggs received the ball just outside the area, turned her marker and sent a looping shot beyond the outstretched hand of the Levante keeper. The lead lasted just four minutes. Olga Moreno sent a free-kick into the area from the left flank, Mar Prieto got a touch on the ball in front of the onrushing Emma Byrne and the ball dribbled into the empty net.

Although we almost stole the lead a minute later when Maggs just failed to connect with Clare Wheatley's far post cross, Levante found their rhythm after the equaliser.

It was no surprise, they had gone 42 domestic games without defeat last season - retaining their League and Cup double on the way. In last term's Uefa Cup, they were knocked out at the group stage after losing 1-0 to Frankfurt, the eventual winners. Their other results included a 17-0 victory. But despite their pressure, Preito's lob three minutes before the break was their best opportunity.

Vanessa Gimber did force a scrambling save from Byrne at the start of the second half but it was not the shape of things to come.

White's header heralded a period of Arsenal pressure. She nearly repeated the feat soon afterward and Angela Banks tested the keeper from long range after dribbling past two defenders on the edge of the area.

Levante raised themselves towards the end but, despite a couple efforts from distance, there were few real scares as we held on.

England National Coach Hope Powell was also watching from the stands to see Three Lions stars White and Maggs hit the net.

Victory in the final group game against K.S.C Eendracht Aalst on Sunday will ensure Arsenal progress to the two-legged quarter-final, taking place in October and November. Sunday's match will be played at St Albans FC with aa 12noon kick-off. Tickets cost £2 for adults and £1 for concessions and are available on the turnstiles.

Arsenal.com