It needed a splendidly taken goal by England newcomer Kate Long to bring England to life in the first of their two weekend internationals against Spain at Nottingham. Though more dominant in the second half, England could not capitalise further and the match finished as a tame 1-1 draw.
Long's goal was a quick riposte to Spain who had scored at the start of the second half. Raquel Huertas who was given a free shot after sloppy defensive play by England. Huertas must have been relieved. She had shot weakly straight at England goalkeeper Beth Storry from an 18th minute Spanish penalty stroke.
Long, the Leicester 21 year old playing her 5th international, scored with a fierce cross shot after Alex Danson had opened up the Spanish defence and Jo (Hightown) Ellis had squared the ball to her. It was her second international goal in successive matches.
England coach, Danny Kerry, described England's performance "as about four out of ten" but praised Long "for taking her chance so well". He felt his rebuilt squad made far too many errors.
