Page 29 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.20 2022-23

Wales 1 (Green pen 45)
Philippines 0
Kayleigh Green's first half penalty proved to be the difference as Wales began 2023 with a
1-0 win over the Philippines in their opening game of the Pinatar Cup.
The striker fired Gemma Grainger's side ahead on the stroke of half time after
Dominique Randle fouled Rhiannon Roberts in the penalty area.
Wales had further chances to add to their lead with Rachel Rowe enjoying a good
opportunity in the first half. They couldn't find a second but always looked in control and
Green's penalty was enough to secure victory in the first meeting between the two countries.
Grainger handed goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel her first start for Wales, while Ceri
Holland returned to the starting line up after missing out on the last trip to Pinatar in
February due to injury. Hannah Cain and Esther Morgan returned to the match day squad
and were named on the bench following long term injuries of their own.
Wales had to deal with the high winds against them in the opening half in Murcia but
dominated possession and could have had a penalty with eight minutes on the clock.
Angharad James was first to a loose ball in the penalty area before being brought down by
Jessika Cowart, but the referee allowed play to continue.
Rowe then went close with a powerful effort from close range which brought the first
save out of Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who reacted well to push the ball to safety.
Wales continued to threaten throughout the first half and took the lead with the final
kick of the half from the penalty spot. Referee Lucie Sulcova was unmoved by the challenge
on James earlier in the half but there was no question when Dominique Randle brought
down Roberts. Green stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake after sending
the goalkeeper the wrong way.
It was a quiet opening half to Middleton-Patel’s first senior start but she was forced into
a save two minutes after the restart when substitute Katrina Guillou turned in the area and
shot at goal.
Rowe had played a key role in helping earn the penalty and her pass to Holland almost
led to Wales doubling their advantage inside the 69th minute. Holland drove inside from the
left wing and fired towards the far corner, only to see McDaniel tip the ball beyond the post.
Sophie Ingle's cutback then found Rowe, whose shot towards goal was deflected
marginally wide of the near post by defender Hali Long. While substitute Cain then hit the
side netting following her introduction just after the hour mark and then went close again
late on after a scramble in the area.
Wales will face Iceland in their second match of the tournament on Saturday.
Wales: Safia Middleton-Patel, Lily Woodham, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Rhiannon
Roberts (sub Charlie Estcourt 66mins), Sophie Ingle, Angharad James, Rachel Rowe,
Carrie Jones (sub Hannah Cain 66mins), Ceri Holland, Kayleigh Green (sub Elise Hughes
86mins). Subs not used: Laura O’Sullivan, Josie Green, Helen Ward, Olivia Clark, Georgia
Walters, Megan Wynne, Anna Filbey, Esther Morgan.
Philippines: Olivia McDaniel, Dominique Randle, Hali Long, Tahnai Annis (sub Meryll
Serrano 64mins), Isabelle Flanigan (sub Katrina Guillou 45mins), Sara Eggesvik,
Carleigh Frilles (sub Anicka Castaneda 64mins), Sofia Harrison, Alicia Barker (sub Malea
Cesar 64mins), Jessika Cowart (sub Kaya Hawkinson 82mins), Quinley Quezada (sub Eva
Madarang 45mins). Subs not used: Inna Palacios, Kiara Fontanilla, Kathleen Rodriguez,
Reina Bonta, Kaya Hawkinson, Maya Alcantara.
(faw.cymru)
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