By Max Jones
SUMMARY
Natalia Pablos Sanchon scored a 70th-minute winner as Arsenal Ladies came from a goal behind to beat Notts County 2-1 at Meadow Park on Sunday.
The Spain forward reacted quickest to convert from close range after Danielle Carter had cancelled out Jess Clarke’s early opener.
Arsenal’s win sees them regain second place in the Women’s Super League, level on points with new league- leaders Sunderland.
SETTING THE SCENE
Pedro Martinez Losa made five changes to the side that beat Watford 3-0 in Thursday’s Continental Cup opener.
Emma Byrne replaced Sari van Veenendaal in goal while Casey Stoney and Emma Mitchell were restored to the back four. Chioma Ubogagu and Natalia reclaimed their starting places in attack.
Chloe Kelly and Lotte Wubben-Moy - who made their full first-team debuts on Thursday - were named alongside Carla Humphrey on a very youthful bench.
FIRST HALF
It only took Notts County four minutes to take the lead. Clarke found herself racing through on goal and kept her composure to get the better of Byrne in a one-on-one situation.
The visitors’ fast start shocked Arsenal into life and the Gunners came close when Natalia tested Carly Telford from outside the box, but the England goalkeeper duly responded to tip round the post.
Carter and Emma Mitchell then went close from distance before Marta Corredera had the best chance to equalise on the stroke of half-time, the Spain midfielder flashing her shot into the side netting.
SECOND HALF
The Gunners began the second half in the ascendancy and Dominique Janssen was unlucky to see her 25-yard drive fly inches over the crossbar, before Telford denied Carter and Natalia in quick succession.
Notts County soon gave into Arsenal’s pressure, though, and Losa’s side found their equaliser when Carter climbed to head home Corredera’s corner on the hour mark.
The Gunners continued to increase their intensity and, after Kelly and Ubogagu stung Telford’s palms, Natalia followed up Jemma Rose’s header to complete a courageous comeback.
Referee:
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