By Chris Harris
Lianne Sanderson's second-half strike was enough to secure Arsenal Ladies a 1-0 victory against Brøndby and top spot in their UEFA Women's Cup qualifying group.
Vic Akers' side had already booked their place in the Quarter Finals after wins against Rossiyanka and Femina Budapest. Nonetheless, a defeat against Brøndby would have left them facing German side Potsdam - one of the tournament favourites - in the knockout stages.
That scenario was averted when Sanderson found the top corner four minutes after the restart following a fluent move involving Jayne Ludlow and Julie Fleeting.
It was no more than Arsenal deserved. They only needed a draw to book top spot but pressed for victory from the first whistle. Rachel Yankey fired against an upright in the 13th minute and the Brøndby goalkeeper pushed another decent effort from Ludlow onto the post six minutes before the break.
Sanderson's goal gave Arsenal the breathing space they needed and the margin of victory could have been greater. Ludlow, Sanderson and Fleeting all had chances after the deadlock was broken but, ultimately, one was enough.
- Arsenal Ladies will face Icelandic champions Breidablik in the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Women's Cup. The first leg will take place in Iceland on October 11 or 12 with the return leg scheduled for October 18 or 19.
Group Standings Team P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 3 3 0 0 12 4 9 Brøndby IF 3 2 0 1 7 3 6 WFC Rossiyanka 3 1 0 2 9 9 3 1. FC Femina Budapest 3 0 0 3 3 15 0
Our ladies line up pre-match
Mary Phillip gets stuck in
Julie Fleeting evades her marker
Lianne Sanderson nets the winner!
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