England hold out to record friendly victory over South Africa in Coventry | OneFootball

England have returned to winning ways by recording a 2-1 victory over South Africa in an international friendly at The Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry this evening.

Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton were on target for the Lionesses in the first half before Chrestinah Kgatlana pulled a goal back for South Africa early in the second period. It wasn’t pretty from England at times and they had to survive some South African pressure late in the game, but they managed to hang on.

England started well and they broke the deadlock from their first real opportunity. South Africa failed to clear a corner kick and captain Williamson fired the ball home on her 50th appearance for the Lionesses.

A minute later, the visitors were almost level. Some sloppy England play at the back gifted South Africa possession but Hildah Magaia’s effort was kept out by a combination of Mary Earps and a covering defender.

England doubled their lead midway through the half. Maya Le Tissier crossed for club teammate Clinton who headed in from 10 yards. The midfielder had another chance 13 minutes later but she fired over from the edge of the area.

The Lionesses’ lead was reduced early in the second half. A defensive mix-up between Williamson and Georgia Stanway allowed Kgatlana to race away and beat Mary Earps one-on-one.

England responded and Chloe Kelly went close as she rattled the crossbar with a curling shot from the edge of the box.

Kgatlana thought that she had levelled for South Africa 15 minutes from time but her effort was ruled out for offside before the same player went close again moments later. She was then denied by Earps when one-on-one as England continued to struggle with her pace.

England almost had their third when substitute Ella Toone took aim at goal but South African keeper Andile Dlamini parried the ball to safety. That was the final real chance of the game as the contest ended 2-1 in the Lionesses’ favour.

The England squad will reassemble late next month in preparation for a home friendly double-header against the United States and Switzerland.