England Women edge past Holland

A penalty by Everton midfielder Fara Williams sent England three points clear at the top of their qualifying group for the 2007 Women's World Cup.

But after striding effortlessly past Austria and Hungary in their first two outings, Hope Powell's team found the going much harder against Holland.

In a tough encounter played at FC Zwolle, chances were rare.

But Williams broke the deadlock on 55 minutes with her third penalty - and fourth goal in all - of the campaign.

National Coach Powell admitted: "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 that we've got another three going into the break from group matches."

England's next opponents are group favourites France, who they entertain in March, but will have to do so without captain Faye White.

The Arsenal central defender will be suspended for what could be the key match of the group stage after collecting her second booking of the campaign.



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Holland: Marleen Wissink; Dyanne Bito, Marloes de Boer, Liesbeth Migchelsen, Petra Hogewoning; Gilanne Louwaars, Dionne Demarteau, Annemiek Griffioen; Manon Melis, Nicole Delies (Sylvia Smit 69), Shirley Smith (Kirsten van de Ven).
Substitutes: Esther Scheenaard, Anouk Hoogendijk, Felicienne Minaar, loes Geurts, Jessica Torny,

England: Rachel Brown (Everton); Casey Stoney (Charlton), Faye White (Arsenal), Mary Phillip (Arsenal), Rachel Unitt (Everton); Karen Carney (Birmingham City) (sub Jo Potter (Charlton Athletic) 59), Vicky Exley (Doncaster Rovers Belles) (sub Anita Asante (Arsenal) 81), Fara Williams (Everton), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal); Kelly Smith (Arsenal); Eniola Aluko (Charlton Athletic) (sub Amanda Barr (Charlton Athletic) HT).
Substitutes: Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol Academy), Jody Handley (Everton), Kelly McDougall (Everton), Lindsay Johnson (Everton).

With all those Everton players in the England ladies team they could probably see off the Moyes boys quite easily.

there are 2 great sides in merseyside Liverpool and the Everton Ladies