Carney’s penalty gives Chelsea Women first-leg win

Karen Carney scored with an early penalty. [Picture: Steven Paston/PA Wire]

Karen Carney’s ninth-minute penalty earned Chelsea a slender advantage in their Women’s Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with Fiorentina.

Carney converted from the spot at Kingsmeadow for a 1-0 win ahead of the second leg at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on October 31.

German midfielder Stephanie Breitner was adjudged to have handled Erin Cuthbert’s attempted cross from the right.

Carney kept her composure to score under the dive of Fiorentina goalkeeper Stephanie Ohrstrom.

Chelsea will feel frustrated not to have added to their advantage, but Swedish goalkeeper Ohrstrom made a string of fine saves, with Romana Bachmann, Fran Kirby, Erin Cuthbert, Millie Bright and Carney thwarted.