Page 29 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.9 2021-22

Bittersweet night for Kayleigh

Slovenia 1 (Rogan 69)
Wales 1 (Green 71)
A Kayleigh Green header ensured that Wales remain unbeaten in their 2023 FIFA
Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign after a 1-1 draw with Slovenia in Lendava.
Wales, playing their 200th official match, had one change to the team that beat
Kazakhstan and Estonia in the opening matches of the campaign. Esther Morgan was
handed her first start at full back with Rachel Rowe missing out due to an injury.
The match was a tight affair from the opening stages, with Slovenia playing with
confidence following their last minute 3-2 defeat to France in their previous match.
Pamela Begic and Lara Prasnikar were a physical presence up top as they looked to
battle Hayley Ladd and Gemma Evans in the air.
Gemma Grainger's side were unfortunate not to take the lead in the opening
fifteen minutes. A superb through ball from Jessica Fishlock saw Tash Harding through
on goal but she was denied by a last ditch tackle from Lana Golob.
Wales’ attacks were thwarted by goalkeeper Zala Mersnik with some impressive
saves for the hosts. Halfway through the second half, it was Slovenia that took the lead
after Manja Rogan punished Wales for some misplaced passes with an effort from long
range.
The reply from Gemma Grainger's side was instant, as a superb free kick from
Angharad James was met by the head of Kayleigh Green who made no mistake in
finding the bottom corner.
The celebrations were short lived however for Green, who was sent off moments
later for a late challenge on Mernsik.
Down to ten players, Wales held their ground. After creating some chances and
denying the hosts from taking the lead, the match ended in a draw with Wales
remaining in second place in the group.
Slovenia: Zala Mersnik, Kaja Erzen, Kristina Erman, Lana Golob, Spela Rozmaric,
Dominika Conc (sub Adrijana Mori 68mins), Kaja Korosec, Spela Kolbi (sub Ana
Milovic 68mins), Pamela Begic (sub Manja Rogan 45mins), Mateja Zver, Lara
Prasnikar. Subs not used: Anja Prsa, Evelina Kos, Nika Sapek, Zala Kustrin, Sara
Makovec, Izabela Krijaz, Lara Klopcic, Sara Nemet, Nina Predanic.
Wales: Laura O’Sullivan, Rhiannon Roberts, Esther Morgan, Sophie Ingle, Gemma
Evans, Hayley Ladd, Ceri Holland, Angharad James, Kayleigh Green, Jessica
Fishlock, Natasha Harding. Subs not used: Lily Woodham, Josie Green, Helen Ward,
Olivia Clarke, Elise Hughes, Hannah Cain, Charlie Estcourt, Megan Wynne, Carrie
Jones, Poppy Soper, Anna Filbey, Ffion Morgan.
Record breaking night for Wales
Wales 4 (James 27, Ward 48, Harding 54, Ingle 90)
Estonia 0
Wales put on a stunning performance for the record-breaking crowd at Cardiff City
Stadium as 5,445 people came through the turnstiles for the highest ever attendance at
a Women’s international match.
Issue no. 9 - 28 October 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk