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 England goalscorers Katie Owen and Kate
Longhurst were naturally delighted after their 2-0 victory over Scotland
in the Final of the Nationwide Under-17 Tournament.There was initial confusion as to who had scored the opener but Chelsea winger Katie was in no doubts that it was her goal. "I was right on the line when I put it in," she said. "It was a quick reaction from Ellen White's header and a fantastic moment for me. "All the girls have worked really hard this week and it has paid off. Every game we've played has been a good performance, we are a really close squad and the whole experience has been great." Kate Longhurst wrapped up the win with the second goal, the Colchester United striker's first goal for her country. "It can't get any better than that," she smiled. "When the ball went in, I didn't know how to celebrate! Scoring a goal for England is everything you dream of and it was an incredible feeling. "They (Scotland) gave us a physical battle and it was a close game but we scored at the right time." Kate enjoyed playing alongside strike partner Ellen White but admitted: "All of the performances from the players have been good. It has been fantastic, experiencing tournament football for the first time as well as learning different strategies and tactics, and putting them into practice." Photos - James Prickett.
Scotland under-17 manager Tony Gervaise remained proud of his team's efforts in reaching the Final of the Nationwide Under-17 Tournament, in which they were beaten 2-0 by England. "I think tiredness played its part a little bit, but England were a little bit better on the day," Tony admitted after the match, "although ironically both goals came during our best two spells of the match. "Once the second goal went in, it was always going to be hard to come back from that. But the girls still went forward and still tried to play, and we created chances right into injury time. "It has been a great achievement to reach the Final and they will all come out of the game as better players." Tony was full of praise for his midfield duo Kim Little and Jennifer Beattie, both of whom have very bright futures. "They are both quality players who played well again today," he said. "Both have done extremely well this week but they have all played well and the future is very good for women's football in Scotland."
 England 2 Scotland 0A goal either side of half time gave England a 2-0 victory over Scotland in a well contested Nationwide Under-17 Tournament Final at Gloucester. Both teams had come through tense matches in order to qualify for the Final and a bobbly surface did not help as they adapted to the conditions in the early stages. Scotland started brightly and enjoyed early possession, driven by impressive midfield duo Kim Little and Jennifer Beattie, but could not find a way through a strong England defence. One slip did give Kaydee Lowe an opportunity but her shot was well blocked by Sophie Bradley. Chances were few at either end but England were to strike with virtually their first chance of the match, after winning a corner on the right five minutes before the interval. Clare Rafferty's kick was flicked on to the far post where Ellen White's header was turned home on the line by Katie Owen to open the scoring. Scotland hit back with a 20-yard shot from Lowe which dipped just over but England finished the half strongly as another good cross from Rafferty picked out Kate Longhurst whose shot was saved by Lorna Brownlie. After the restart, Scotland enjoyed the early pressure and almost got back on level terms as a good cross from the right by Molly McKean saw Beattie just beat Helen Alderson to the ball but her header was just off target. England then took a decisive lead as Lizzie Edwards released Ellen White down the left. Her cross picked out Longhurst who planted a left foot shot past Brownlie and into the corner of the net to make it 2-0. White almost added a third four minutes later, latching onto an excellent pass from Edwards and stabbing her shot past Brownlie but just wide of the post. Remi Allen, moments after coming on as a substitute, also went close from 20 yards with a well struck effort. Scotland tried to rally but found it difficult to make headway against the strong central defensive pairing of Bradley and Gilly Flaherty. Chelsea Weston had a fine match at right back, as did fellow full back Sophie Walton who was playing in her third position in the three matches. Longhurst almost scored her second goal of the game as she was sent away by White's pass but she was foiled by a good block from Brownlie. Scotland were not giving up though and gamely pushed forward with Danica Dalziel sendng a long range shot just wide. England brought on goalkeeper Emily Morphitis as a late substitute for the impressive Alderson, ensuring that every member of their squad saw some action during the tournament. Morphitis was indeed called into action very quickly, making a save from Dalziel after she had been released by Beattie's pass. Scotland had contributed greatly to the tournament but England were just too strong on the day and a third consecutive clean sheet helped secure a deserved win for Lois Fidler's side. England: Helen Alderson (sub Emily Morphitis 77 mins), Chelsea Weston, Sophie Walton, Jade Moore (sub Remi Allen 55 mins), Sophie Bradley (capt), Gilly Flaherty, Katie Owen, Lizzie Edwards (sub Faye McCoy 77 mins), Kate Longhurst, Ellen White, Clare Rafferty (sub Vicky Vickery 67 mins). Subs not used: Bridie Fox, Georgina Giddings, Olivia Thackray. Scotland: Lorna Brownlie, Roslyn McCallum (sub Nuala Deans 55 mins), Caroline McKelvie, Jennifer Beattie, Stephanie Handley, Molly McKean (sub Leanne Reid 46 mins), Kim Little (capt), Lauren McMillan (sub Jade Blackmore 79 mins), Cheryl McCulloch (sub Christie Murray 74 mins), Kaydee Lowe, Danica Dalziel. Subs not used: Rachel Harrison, Melissa Stirling, Nicola Deans. Photo - Sophie Walton challenges Cheryl McCulloch (James Prickett).
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