Pic:
Karen Walker of the Doncaster Belles. from the Belles
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The Oakwell Belle
Doncaster Belles forward
Karen Walker had a dream England game straight out of
the story books. Did you hear about it? We thought not...
_____________________
It's a story worthy of
Roy of the Rovers. If this had happened in
the States, where women footballers turn pro this year,
it would have made headline news. Local girl gets picked
for England, who are playing a vital international at
the home ground of her favourite team. She scores the
goal that wraps up the victory. Fairytale stuff. And on
the 20th February this all happened to Karen Walker as
England Ladies beat Portugal at Oakwell 2-0 in a crucial
UEFA Qualifier.
Walker is currently the leading scorer in
the Women's Premier League. The Belles are currently flying,
reaching the last eight of the FA Cup, so her 29th Cap
for the National side comes as no surprise. She's indisputably
England's number one pick. But for 31 year old Karen a
chance to shine on the ground where she and her brother
Barry have long been season ticket holders added an extra
spring in the step. She needed it too as the Portuguese
defenders gave her a torrid time in front of goal.
England were confident
and dominated throughout with goalie Pauline
Cope having little to do. Captain (and fellow Belle) Pauline
Coultard was solid as ever at the back and it was a delight
to see a classy left sided England player in the form
of Tranmere's flying winger Sue Smith. Smith played a
blinder and deservedly got the first goal on twenty two
minutes - a far post tap in from a Danielle Murphy drive
from the right wing. Karen Walker made it two eight minutes
later after a handling in the area. She made no mistake
from the spot and her delight was obvious.
From then on England always looked comfortable
- Kelly Smith (released from her scholarship in the States)
missed a few chances before hitting the post late on with
a spot kick. The crowd was a record for a women's international
in this country - 5,114. The result now places England
level in their group with World Cup Semi-finalists Norway
and the stage is now set for a cracking showdown with
the Norse at Carrow Road on March 20th. A win there an
England are well on the way to the UEFA European Championships
in 2001. It's live on Sky Sports so you've no excuses
for missing it.
For Karen Walker and her
fellow internationals there's no FA compensation
for a week off work. It's back to Hull in Karen's case
where she works at the Benefits Agency and preparation
for the FA Cup 5th Round tie away Garswood Saints. The
game received little publicity - the Daily Express's report
managed to get the opposition wrong - none of the big
sporting media gave it the time of day. One notable exception
to the rule is the BBC's Children's News Show -Newsround
- , which has consistently reported on the women's game
since their visit to last years Women's World Cup Final
in the States. Presenter Kate Sanderson seem a particular
advocate of equal rights when it comes to sport.
Other than that, the women's game is making
slow but significant progress behind the scenes. There's
a Ladies Football Academy in Durham ( where Captain Gillian
Coultard works) and the sport is mushrooming at Schools
level. Hope Powell the England manager is a great ambassador
for the sport and Kevin Keegan's visit to the training
ground really made a difference. Centres of Excellence
run by the FA, youth schemes connected to the big clubs,
all are contributing to a sport which, at it's highest
level is a proven box office draw. Over a billion people
watched the Women'w World Cup Final live around the world.
Except for us Brits, who were watching a tractor pulling
contest and a Stewart Grainger movie. That at least is
bound to change if England get through to Euro 2001.
