England Women 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina Women: Jill Scott's header secures win
Tuesday 1 December 2015 10:21, UK
Substitute Jill Scott’s header gave England a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their first home game since the Women’s World Cup.
A crowd of more than 13,000 spectators at Bristol City's Ashton Gate braved heavy rain and swirling winds as Mark Sampson's side followed up Thursday's 0-0 friendly draw against Germany by making it two wins from two matches in Group 7 in Euro 2017 qualifying.
And it proved to be the perfect afternoon for Scott who scored the winner after earlier being honoured on the pitch for recently reaching a century of appearances in an England shirt.
England were on the front foot from the outset against a Bosnian side intent on getting players behind the ball and were inches away from taking the lead in the 10th minute.
Laura Bassett squared to Jordan Nobbs, who hit a trademark long-range effort which 'keeper Marija Alexsic tipped on to the crossbar, with neither Isobel Christiansen or Jess Clarke able to convert the rebound.
Clarke was later denied by Alexsic with a flicked effort with the outside of her boot moments later before Eni Aluko was unable to find the target after Nobbs' low near-post cross from the right flank.
Aluko headed over from 10 yards before seeing a shot deflect over the bar as England went into the interval goalless after a resolute defensive performance from the visitors in the first half.
Nobbs had another long-range effort five minutes after the restart, drilling a shot from the edge of the area which was gathered by the impressive Alexsic.
The Bosnian 'keeper was the busiest player on the pitch and had to be at her best to deny Christiansen when the Manchester City Women's forward went for goal with a free-kick from a tight angle.
Sampson introduced Scott early in the second half as England went in search of a goal and the midfielder scored what ultimately proved to be the winner on 69 minutes.
Aluko twisted and turned away from two Bosnia defenders on the left before delivering an inviting cross which Scott powerfully headed downwards and past Alexsic's outstretched hand.
Nobbs and Bassett both went close after Scott's goal as the rain and the wind intensified before fellow substitute Jemma Rose - who previously played under Sampson for Bristol Academy - shot high and wide two minutes from time.
England's next qualifier is against group leaders Belgium next April.
