Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene 2020/21 Issue 2

Wales 4 Faroe Islands 0
A brace from Natasha Harding and goals from Helen
Ward and Lily Woodham secured a comfortable 4-0
win over the Faroe Islands at Rodney Parade as
Wales’ quest for Euro 2021 qualification continues.
Wales started the game strongly and forced
the Faroe Islands to play deep from the outset.
Within the first ten minutes, Jessica Fishlock
supplied dangerous crosses into the box from the
left hand side. Kayleigh Green’s header came close
after nine minutes, edging just over the bar before
another Fishlock cross found Angharad James and
resulted in another header going wide. Helen Ward gives Wales the lead (Will Cheshire).
Ludlow’s squad were in control of the game and
proved a handful for the Faroe Islands’ defence, creating plenty of chances but failing to hit the target
until the 26th minute, when James found space in the box to force a save from Joensen.
With chances coming in thick and fast, it was only a matter of time before Wales would convert
one into a goal. After the half hour mark, Fishlock threaded the ball into space in the box for Ward,
who could guide the ball past the goalkeeper with her left foot. This was Cymru’s record goalscorer’s
first goal in three years and opened the floodgate for others to follow.
Ludlow made two replacements at half time, with Jose Green coming on to replace Fishlock
and Rachel Rowe replacing Nadia Lawrence. As with the first 45 minutes, Wales were comfortably in
control of the match before Harding solidified the lead after 58 minutes. Gemma Evans crossed the
ball from the left hand side into the box before Harding struck a loose ball into the back of the net with
ease.
Both Ward and Harding could make a claim for the third goal, as they both seemed to be on the
end of Rhiannon Roberts’ cross. It was almost a collision of heads which led the ball into the top left
hand corner but it was Harding that ultimately got the last touch.
Wales’ confidence grew and grew into the second half, with Ludlow making her final three
substitutions with 30 minutes left of the match and gave two youngsters, Lily Woodham and Georgia
Walters, their senior debuts.
Having replaced Harding, Woodham instantly made an impact and secured her first goal
within five minutes of her debut. Rachel Rowe supplied a great cross into the box from the right hand
side which Woodham headed majestically into the back of the net.
Following the match, Ludlow told faw.cymru: “We started a little bit slower than we would
have liked but I’m really pleased with the result and the performance.”
The manager was full of praise for Lily Woodham, and added: "Lily is one of our age group
players – she’s been with us since she was 12 years old and it’s fantastic to see her progression.”
Woodham was ecstatic to get her first goal on her senior debut: “I’ve been with the age groups
for years and it’s been a dream of mine for years to make my debut, I can’t quite put it into words how
much it means to me. I’m buzzing to get my debut and a goal was just a bonus really! I’m over the
moon.”
The focus now turns to Tuesday (27 October) night where Wales will face the group leaders
Norway at Cardiff City Stadium in their penultimate match of the EURO 2021 qualification campaign.
Wales: Laura O'Sullivan, Gemma Evans, Sophie Ingle, Rhiannon Roberts, Helen Ward (sub Kylie
Nolan 62mins), Angharad James, Kayleigh Green (sub Lily Woodham 62mins), Jessica Fishlock
(sub Josie Green 45mins), Natasha Harding (sub Georgia Walters 62mins), Hayley Ladd, Nadia
Lawrence (sub Rachel Rowe 53mins). Subs not used: Olivia Clark, Poppy Soper, Maria Francis-
Jones, Elise Hughes, Charlotte Estcourt, Carrie Jones, Chloe Williams.
Faroe Islands: Óluva Joensen, Elisabeth Vang, Birita Ryan, Heidi Sevdal, Ásla Johannesen, Kára
Djurhuus (sub Marita Á Fríðriksmørk 87mins), Olga Kristina Hansen (sub Mona Rasmusdóttir
79mins), Jensa Kannuberg Tórolvsdóttir (sub Evi Á Lakjuni 69mins), Sanna Jacobsen (sub Sarita
Maria Mittfoss 87mins), Sara Samson Lamhauge (sub Lea Lisberg 79mins), Jacoba Langgaard.
Subs not used: Monika Biskopstø, Valborg Østerø, Maria Á Lakjuni, Hanna Lamhauge Jacobsen,
Sarita Maria Mittfoss.
(faw.cymru)
Issue no. 2 - 22 October 2020 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk