Nordbrandt hands Umeå lifeline

Substitute Maria Nordbrandt came off the bench to rescue a draw for Umeå IK against holders 1. FFC Frankfurt in the UEFA Women's Cup semi-final first-leg encounter at the Sandåkerns IP stadium.

Rapid response
With her side trailing to Pia Wunderlich's fourth-minute goal for the visitors, Nordbrandt came on for Laura Kalmari on 62 minutes and equalised within a couple of minutes, setting up a fascinating second leg.

Brilliant result
However, the Swedish side could have established a lead to defend in Germany were it not for the heroics of visiting goalkeeper Marleen Wissink, who made a number of fine saves. Frankfurt coach Monika Staab said: "This brilliant result has laid the foundations for the return game."

Final repeated
A crowd of 3,389 watched the tussle, a repeat of last year's final - which the German side won 2-0 - and all eyes will now be on the second leg in Frankfurt on 27 April. Fortuna Hjørring beat Arsenal LFC 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final yesterday.