A WARRINGTON teenager made her debut in soccer's top flight at the weekend and is hoping to keep her place to tackle big guns Arsenal away on Sunday.

Sian Allen minded the nets for Tranmere Rovers against international-packed Leeds United in the English Ladies Premier League on Sunday.

She faced the might of Leeds' England striker Sue Smith, who had presented Sian with an award as an Everton under 12s player five years ago. The 17-year-old former pupil of Bridgewater High School put in a typically strong performance against the high class opposition but was unable to prevent two goals being scored against the struggling Tranmere side.

Her mum Liz had mixed emotions as she watched from the sidelines.

She said: "I was obviously very proud but petrified too. I had not expected Sian to be playing in the first team at the age of 17. It was a big step up for her against much older and more experienced players but she made some good saves during the game."

Sian, who is now studying for A levels at Sir John Deane's College, Northwich, had been playing for Tranmere's reserves since February and has become one of the youngest goalkeepers to have made the top flight grade.

Earlier this year Sian, who lives in Appleton, was the first choice goalkeeper for the Cheshire Schools Under 16s team which won both the northern and national schools' championships.

Mike Parsons