Williams triggers England goal spree

Oct 29 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

ENGLAND’S Women secured another victory in their European Championship qualifying campaign at the weekend, beating Belarus 4-0 at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium.

Due to international call-ups, Liverpool and Everton games were postponed, and six players from the Blues squad were included.

Goalkeeper Rachel Brown and midfielder Fara Williams started the match, and Williams created the opening goal.

She collected a headed clearance on the edge of the box, curled an effort towards goal, which was deflected into the net off the head of Arsenal’s Alex Scott.

Williams was in fine form all afternoon, but was pipped to the player of the match award by Scott, who bagged a brace.

Williams could have doubled the lead with a header midway through the half but, in truth, it was one of many wasted chances during the match.

Hope Powell’s side did get a second when Kelly Smith headed home a Scott cross 10 minutes before the break.

Chelsea’s Eniola Aluko then added a third four minutes into the second half, before Scott got her second following good play from Aluko and Sanderson.

Keeper Brown was called upon once during the game, comfortably saving a tame effort in the first half.

The game also saw an appearance from Blues midfielder Jill Scott with the game already won, and the England manager said it was a job well done.

There was one domestic match played, however, as Tranmere were defeated 3-2 on the road at Nottingham Forest.

Nicky Corbett fired in the first from fully 35 yards, returning a poor clearance from the Forest keeper.

Sue Kenwright followed suit from outside the area.

The pressure from the home side became too much for injury-ravaged Rovers, and they conceded two in the final 15 minutes.

“I was pleased with our performance, and I thought we played well,” said manager Shirley Waring.