Chapman (left) had already shot wide when she put England ahead
Katie Chapman's eighth international goal earned England a hard-fought win over Spain and maintained their 100% World Cup qualifying record.
Chapman struck on the half-hour, neatly controlling the ball on the penalty spot, then swivelling to fire a volley into the corner of the net.
England rode their luck and keeper Rachel Brown made a fine 61st-minute save from Sonia's 20-yard effort.
Three minutes from time, Adriana was inches wide with a 25-yard free-kick.
England's victory moved them level on points with group leaders Spain, and with a game in hand.
Hope Powell's team, whose next qualifier is against Malta in May, are now halfway through their qualifying campaign and clear favourites to win the group.
"It would have been nice to have taken more of our first half chances, but Spain were the better side in the second half," said Powell.
"I was counting the clock down towards the end. It's job done though, we've got the three points and we move on."
England controlled the first half and Chapman was unlucky not to give them the lead with a well-struck 12th-minute shot that flew inches wide of the far post.
After Chapman struck, left winger Rachel Yankey missed a good chance to stretch the lead just before the interval, but she then went close with a 30 yard drive five minutes after the break.
England were pushed back in the second period though and were relieved to see Adriana, looking for her 10th goal in five qualifiers, fire narrowly wide with a late free-kick.
England (4-2-1-3): Brown (Everton): A. Scott (Boston Breakers), F. White (Arsenal), Stoney (Chelsea), Unitt (Everton) (87); Williams (Everton), Chapman (Chicago Red Stars); K. Smith (Boston Breakers) (J. Scott (Everton) 59); Aluko (St Louis Athletica) (E. White (Leeds Carnegie) 69), Yankey (Arsenal) (S. Smith (Leeds Carnegie) 84). Substitutes: J. Scott (Everton), Bardsley (New Jersey Sky Blue), Susi (Chelsea), Bassett (Leeds Carnegie), Sanderson (Philadelphia Independence).
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