Arsenal edge through

Angela Banks struck Arsenal's equaliser

From BBC Sport Online's Tony Leighton in Switzerland

Arsenal are through to the quarter-finals of the Women's European Cup - but only after an almighty scare in the final match of their first round tournament.

After beating host club FC Bern 4-0 and Hapoel Tel Aviv 7-0, the Gunners needed only to avoid defeat against AZS Wroclaw to move into the last eight as winners of this four-team tournament.

But, after disastrously gifting the Polish side a goal with only 75 seconds on the clock, the English champions took until the closing stages to finally take control and run out 2-1 winners.

We will have to play better to progress further

Vic Akers

Angela Banks equalised in the 74th minute then, four minutes later, strike partner Marieanne Spacey hit the winner from the penalty spot.

Spacey was also one of three Arsenal players booked, the former England star's second caution of the tournament ruling her out of the first leg of next March's quarter-final.

Manager Vic Akers' delight at his team's progress into the latter stages of the competition was tempered with disappointment at the struggle they endured.

Akers said: "We showed the character to fight back, but we'll certainly have to play a lot better than that to progress any further.

"We made it hard for ourselves by giving away an embarrassing goal. You just can't do that at this level."

It was a dreadful mix-up between central defender Casey Stoney and goalkeeper Emma Byrne that led to the tap-in opener for striker Marta Otrebska.

Caset Stoney was involved in an early mix-up

Visibly shaken, Arsenal were unable to find their usual composure and rhythm as they attempted to get back into the game.

Stoney and striker Spacey both went close to equalising before half-time, but at the other end Otrebska twice missed the target from good openings.

The impressive Polish striker then struck the Arsenal bar with a long distance 52nd minute free-kick, following which Arsenal's frustration began to show as Spacey, Leanne Champ and Faye White were all booked in quick succession.

It was only when the Gunners' superior fitness began to show in the final quarter of the match that they got on top.

Spacey set up Banks to drill in a fine 15-yard shot for the equaliser, then Spacey herself was brought down before striking in the penalty winner.

Arsenal's opponents in the quarter-finals will be the winners of a November tournament involving Toulouse, Ayr United, Legend Cheksil of the Ukraine and Croatian side Osijek.