Delight: Alex Scott salutes the crowd after her goal and (inset) Shelley Kerr

Published: 24 April 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

A SUBLIME strike from Alex Scott ensured that Arsenal Ladies avoided defeat in their opening fixture in the Women’s Super League.

Scott’s England team-mate Jess Clarke gave hosts Notts County a deserved lead at Meadow Lane when she coolly opened the scoring in the 26th minute – side-stepping two defenders before sliding the ball into the corner of the net.

Shelley Kerr’s side equalised early in the second half when Shinobo Ohno’s shot was blocked, falling kindly for Scott who hit a flashing volley past County keeper Carly Telford to earn the visitors a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal were unlucky not to start the season with all three points as Kelly Smith and Scott both saw good efforts come back off the woodwork.

The north Londoners are back in action on Thursday, May 1, when they host rivals Watford in the Continental Cup at Borehamwood.

There was great news for Arsenal off the pitch with Jordan Nobbs, Siobhan Chamberlain and Danielle Carter all being nominated for this year’s PFA awards.