Kelly Smith: set the game on fire

Published: 25 September, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

KELLY Smith ensured that new Arsenal Ladies manager Pedro Martinez Losa enjoyed a dream debut on Saturday as she came off the bench to spark a stunning second-half comeback against Bristol Academy Ladies in the Women’s Super League. 

Bristol got off to the best possible start when Jasmine Matthews scored in the opening minute.  

And it got even better for the hosts when Nikki Watts doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Alex Scott had brought down Natalia Sanchon in the box. Trailing 2-0, and enter super-sub Smith. The 35-year-old wasted little time turning the game around as she scored twice in three minutes to level the scores. 

Touchline angst: Gunner girls took new boss Pedro Martinez Losa on an emotional roller-coaster ride for his first game. Picture: The FA via Getty Images 

Scott then made amends for giving away a penalty when she raced on to a fine pass by Jordan Nobbs to fire home and complete the comeback. 

The evening, however, belonged to Smith, who completed a 16-minute hat-trick from the penalty spot after Jemma Rose had fouled Danielle Carter. 

Sanchon gave Bristol a glimmer of hope of collecting at least a point when she pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute.

But the Gunner girls held out to seal a thrilling 4-3 victory and, no doubt, leave their brand new manager exhausted on the touchline.