Williams edges England to victory

A second-half penalty from Fara Williams proved enough for England to edge a hard-fought FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier in Zwolle to open up a three-point lead atop Group 5.

Dutch fight-back
The Everton LFC midfield player swept in her third spot-kick in as many matches ten minutes after the restart to give the visitors a deserved lead. Hope Powell's side were soon on the defensive, however, as the Netherlands sought to force their way back into the game, but goalkeeper Rachel Brown was never really tested and England held firm to take a healthy lead at the section summit before the next set of matches in late March.

Unitt landmark
The sides went into the game with perfect records from two outings in Group 5, the Netherlands' shock 1-0 triumph against France in Angers no less impressive than England's one-sided 13-0 win in Hungary. Eniola Aluko and Kelly Smith scored five between them that night, and were partnered again for a match that saw left-back Rachel Unitt – still only 23 - make her 50th international appearance.

Williams penalty
Given the size of that win, Dutch coach Vera Pauw said this game would be "a bit like David against Goliath" but her side, although a little nervy, never looked like being overrun after a steady start. Indeed the visitors, who scored 17 in their previous two outings, were starved of opportunities and it was not until the 55th minute that they finally broke the deadlock through Williams.

Demarteau effort
The goal sparked the home side into life and they began to show more attacking intent although an equaliser proved elusive, Dionne Demarteau going nearest with a free-kick that whistled past the upright. "We were close," Pauw reflected after the game. "The girls have done a terrific job under pressure, although we did struggle to play our own game. We gave away very little, but we have to become more consistent and look to dominate."

English advantage
The Dutch now lie alongside France, three points behind Group 5 leaders England, whose manager Powell was content with the win. "We didn't play particularly well. At times we were on the back foot and rode our luck. But it's all about putting points on the board, and I'm happy we've got another three going into the break from group matches."