Long shot rescues a draw for England

KATIE Long's superb strike rescued a draw for England in the first match of this weekend's double-header with Spain at Highfield's in Nottingham.

Racquel Huertas had given the visitors the lead just after the break, but five minutes later the scores were level as Leicester's Long, in just her fifth international appearance, unleashed a fine shot from distance after good work from Jo Ellis and Alex Danson.

"I was delighted Katie Long took her chance so well, especially for a player with so few caps," said England head coach Danny Kerry.

"Our turnovers at the back gave Spain too many opportunities and we failed to really capitalise on our counter attacks."

There was little to choose between the two sides in the early exchanges and the first real sight of goal fell to Chloe Strong, whose penalty corner flew just past the left post.

On 17 minutes, Captain Kate Walsh's mistake inside 25 metres saw her robbed by Montse Cruz, who entered the circle with just Becky Duggan to beat. 

In trying to make amends for her mistake Walsh took the stick of the Spanish number eight while she lined up to shoot and the umpire immediately pointed to the penalty spot. 

But Duggan spared England's blushes with a comfortable save from Huertas' effort and the scoreline remained 0-0 at the interval.

Spain flew out of the blocks in the second half and took the lead early on when Huertas found time and space at the back of the circle and made no mistake.

Kerry's troops piled on the pressure however, and Ellis fed Long, who let fly, leaving Spain stopper Maria Jesus Rosa with no chance.

That galvanised England and Danson had an excellent chance to grab a winner for England, but Jesus Rosa made an excellent save from close range, ensuring the spoils were shared.