Page 7 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.23 2021-22

had the opportunity to give members of her squad some playing time over the three matches
in addition to very positive performances against Scotland and Belgium.
Wales got off to a slow start against Ireland and when Rhiannon Roberts
uncharacteristically gave away possession deep inside her own half and presented an
opportunity for Denise O’Sullivan, with the sweetest of strikes, the striker put the ball high
into the Welsh net and out of Olivia Clark’s reach, despite her best efforts.
Wales looked off the pace throughout the first half and the Republic of Ireland worked
hard to deny them any real joy in front of goal. However, there was a brighter start to the
second half as Grainger’s side put the pressure on to find the equalising goal.
The first positive sign was a Natasha Harding run from deep, which took her to the
edge of the area where she took a strike at goal. Her shot was on target but the ball was held
by Courtney Brosnan.
Wales came even closer shortly after when Sophie Ingle hit a stunning shot that had
Brosnan beaten, but the ball clipped the top of the bar as Republic of Ireland maintained their
lead.
In the 89th minute there were strong calls for a penalty as the players were convinced
that the ball had been handled in the box by a Republic of Ireland defender. The appeals were
turned down by the referee and Ireland held out to win the match and take third place in the
Pinatar Cup.
Wales: Olivia Clark, Rhiannon Roberts, Gemma Evans (sub Anna Filbey 60mins), Charlie
Estcourt, Rachel Rowe (Sub Lily Woodham 60mins), Angharad James, Sophie Ingle,
Natasha Harding (sub Georgia Walters 60mins), Jessica Fishlock (sub Helen Ward
70mins), Ceri Holland (sub Elise Hughes 70mins), Ffion Morgan (sub Kayleigh Green
70mins). Subs not used: Laura O’Sullivan, Chloe Bull, Megan Wynne, Carrie Jones, Poppy
Soper, Morgan Rogers.
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan (sub Eve Badana 63mins), Niamh Fahey, Louise
Wuinn, Savannah McCarthy, Jessica Ziu, Denise O’Sullivan, Ruesha Littlejohn, Katie
McCabe, Heather Payne (sub Leanne Kiernan 64mins), Kyra Carusa (sub Abbie Larkin
45mins), Lucy Quinn (sub Amber Barrett 85mins). Subs not used: Aine O’Gorman, Jamie
Finn, Isibeal Atkinson, Megan Walsh, Ellen Molloy, Chloe Mustaki.
(faw.cymru)

FA Women’s National League

League Cup
Huddersfield Town completed the semi final line
up when they won 4-1 away to Brighouse Town in
their quarter final on Wednesday night. Laura Elford
hit a hat-trick for Town and Brittany Sanderson was also on target, whilst Brighouse's
consolation came from Drew Greene.
Northern Premier Division
Derby County's hopes of returning to the top of the table were dashed as they were held
to a 1-1 draw by fast improving Loughborough Lightning. The Ewe Rams led at the
interval through an early goal from Ellie Gilliatt, but Loughborough hit back after the break
and a goal from Abbie Benstead earned them a share of the spoils.
Nottingham Forest meanwhile defeated Hull City 1-0 and the result takes them
back into the top four. Substitute Charlotte Greengrass settled matters with the only goal of
the game, midway through the second half.
Issue no. 23 - 24 February 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk