Sanderson strike foils Frankfurt

Lianne Sanderson struck just before half-time to ensure that Arsenal LFC emerged from the first leg of their UEFA Women's Cup quarter-final level with 2002 winners 1. FFC Frankfurt.

Scores level
Sandra Smisek had given the German champions the lead in Barnet midway through the first period, but the English youth international cancelled that advantage with a goal which could prove valuable in the return in Frankfurt next Saturday.

Byrne saves
With striker Julie Fleeting out injured, Arsenal had some concerns against a visiting side able to field Renate Lingor and Steffi Jones despite recent fitness concerns. Frankfurt, twice finalists in this competition, began brightly and home goalkeeper Emma Byrne was forced into early saves to frustrate Pia Wunderlich and Brigit Prinz.

Opening goal
Defender Kirsty Pealling was then called upon to charge down Prinz's shot, but the striker set up Smisek to open the scoring, her quick strike placed beyond the reach of Byrne. The custodian then had to be alert to tip over a shot from Lingor before being beaten by a Wunderlich shot which hit the inside of the post and bounced back into Byrne's arms.

Sanderson on target
Relieved by that let-off, two-time Women's Cup semi-finalists Arsenal began to produce some attacks of their own, and Rachel Yankey's 36th-minute free-kick was kept out by the leg of Marleen Wissink. However, the experienced Dutch goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Sanderson scoring in added time as the speedy Yankey raced down the wing and cut the ball back perfectly for the 17-year-old to strike from close range.

Smith denied
Buoyed by that goal, Arsenal looked to take the lead early in the second half, Kelly Smith's cross creeping on to the bar in the opening minute. Smith then crossed for Grant to dive in but head wide. Frankfurt withstood that surge and Lingor and Prinz both went close late on, although neither side were able to establish a firm advantage.