Injured Clare Hales (front row), with her arm in a sling, with Island Eagles Ladies (stripes) and Sp. Vg. Flittard players after the friendly at Minster College

by Luke Cawdell

Island Eagles goalkeeper Clare Hales helped keep the score down to 7-0 in a friendly game with top German side Sp. Vg. Flittard, but making a save late in the game broke her wrist.

The Eagles were playing their first 11-a-side match, taking on the top-flight German side – and they found the going tough.

Hales was hailed for her performance in goal but will now be sidelined for a number of weeks after picking up the injury just before the final whistle.

Player-manager Alison Griffin said: "Clare saved us time and time again from an even bigger defeat.

"She has only just returned from injury after tearing ligaments and our thoughts are with her.

"The mood was good and it was fantastic to see two ladies’ football teams from two different countries, and at different levels of the game, come together in such good sportsmanship.

"We did get beaten 7-0 but we are already talking about a trip to Germany to settle the score."