Long takes her chance

by Pat Rowley (13.6.2009)

A superb cross shot by England newcomer Katie Long enabled England to draw 1-1 with Spain, in the first of their two weekend meetings at
Highfields, Nottingham.

Her goal in the 45th minute followed one by Spain’s Raquel Huertas six minutes earlier.

The 21 year-old Leicester forward scored from the inside right position after good work by Alex Danson and a squared pass by Jo Ellis.

It was her second goal in five matches for England and her second in successive matches.

England also had to thank goalkeeper Becky Duggan for saving an 18th minute penalty stroke taken by Huertas.

England, ranked eighth to Spain’s 7th, did not come alive until Spain had taken the lead. Then they became much more penetrating without
being able to capitalise.

Danny Kerry, a disappointed England coach of the new England squad, described England’s performance “as about four out of ten” but praised Long “for taking her chance so well”.

copy for Sunday Express 14.6.2009