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Women's Football News

England notch up victory

Women's Football News 6 Jul 2009

England under-23 and the United States faced each other on 4 July for an informal training match, with three periods of 30 minutes allowing greater flexibility for the coaches to try out different players and formations.

Additionally there were no restrictions on substitutes, with a 'roll on, roll off' policy agreed by both teams prior to the match.

It was England who took the honours on the day as they notched up a 2-0 victory in the match played at Bisham Abbey.

The first period saw England dominate and comfortably controlling the play. Despite enjoying the greater possession and a number of attacking opportunities, England did not register a goal to reward their impressive play.

In the second 30 minutes, England hit early with Rachel Williams grabbing a goal after just five minutes from the restart. Although Brent Hills' players were quick out of the blocks, USA saw more of the ball in this period and pushed England back into their own half for the majority of the remaining time.

Despite greater possession, the USA rarely got into the penalty area and were restricted to a speculative long range effort as the England keeper was caught out of her area. A few of half chances fell England's way but generally neither goal was threatened.

Into the third period, England retook the initiative and showed greater stamina in warm and humid conditions. The chances began to come and England scored a deserved second goal with eleven minutes remaining in the game.

Dunia Susi broke through the American defence, latching onto a fine through pass, and the Chelsea defender cooly slotted the ball past Olsen to double England's lead.

England under-23: Marie Hourihan, Sophie Perry, Ellie Gilliatt (sub Mel Sutcliffe 30mins), Rachel Williams (sub Lizzie Edwards 53mins), Fern Whelan, Sophie Bradley, Becky Hall (sub Dunia Susi 70mins), Charlotte Young, Ellen White (sub Gemma Davison 38mins), Natasha Dowie, Dannii Bird (sub Claire Rafferty 49mins). Subs not used: Carly Telford, Kim Dixson.