Page 9 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.13 2020-21

Williams, Elise Hughes, Charlie Estcourt, Bethan Roberts, Carrie Jones, Georgia Walters,
Maria Francis-Jones, Ffion Morgan, Esther Morgan, Kylie Nolan.
Canada: Stephanie Labbe, Shelina Zadorsky, Quinn, Deanne Rose, Jordyn Huitema, Ashley
Lawrence, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair, Gabrielle Carle, Jessie Fleming, Vanessa Gilles.
Subs: Erin McLeod, Rylee Foster, Allysha Chapman, Julia Grosso, Jayde Riviere, Sophie
Schmidt, Nichelle Prince, Janine Beckie, Jordyn Listro, Jade Rose, Lindsay Agnew, Evelyne
Viens, Samantha Chang, Cloe Lacasse, Sarah Stratigakis, Jenna Hellstrom.
(faw.cymru)

Wales 1 (Fishlock 60)
Denmark 1 (Harder 24)
Wales earned themselves a very credible draw against Denmark as Gemma Grainger's side built
on the positives from the performance in the defeat against Canada at the Cardiff City Stadium
on Tuesday night.
Wales made just one change to the starting line-up for this second international
friendly as Josie Green replaced Lily Woodham, but there was also an important tactical change
as captain Sophie Ingle was moved out of defence and into her preferred position in midfield.
Denmark showed their intentions from the start as Nicoline Christiansen combined
with Harder to set up Stine Larsen. However, it was Gemma Evans who came close to opening
the scoring at the other end of the field after ten minutes as her looping header was turned over
the bar by Lene Christensen.
The positive approach from both teams made for an exciting start, with Natasha
Harding enjoying a lot more of the ball than she did against Canada, whilst Sara Thrige, Larsen
and Harder all narrowly missed the target as Denmark tested the new look Welsh defence with
their pace and sharp passing in the final third.
It was Harder who opened the scoring on 24 minutes as she beat Laura O'Sullivan after
a period of sustained pressure by the Danes. The creative brilliance of Harder was proving
difficult for Wales to contain.
On 31 minutes, Jessica Fishlock tested Christensen in the Denmark goal to offer a sign
that Wales could create chances when they had the ball, and shortly after the midfielder had an
long range effort blocked by Larsen. It was the catalyst to Wales showing just what they are
capable of in possession, with Ceri Holland and Angharad James also coming close to levelling
the score ahead of the break.
There was a determination from Wales following the restart, and the side showed a
clear intention to take something from the game as they pushed high up the field in possession.
Their efforts brought reward on the hour mark as Fishlock scored the equaliser, volleying past
Christensen from close range.
Denmark made a number of changes in an attempt to restore their lead, but it was
Wales that were clearly in the ascendency as the game finished all square, a highly encouraging
result for new manager Gemma Grainger in only her second match in charge.
Wales: Laura O'Sullivan, Rhiannon Roberts. Gemma Evans, Sophie Ingle, Rachel Rowe,
Josie Green, Ceri Holland (sub Elise Hughes 80mins), Angharad James, Kayleigh Green,
Jessica Fishlock, Natasha Harding. Subs not used: Olivia Clark, Poppy Soper, Anna Filbey,
Helen Ward, Chloe Williams, Charlie Estcourt, Bethan Roberts, Lily Woodham, Carrie Jones,
Georgia Walters, Maria Francis-Jones, Ffion Morgan, Esther Morgan, Kylie Nolan.
Denmark: Lene Christensen, Rikke Sevecke, Simone Boye Sorensen, Nanna Christiansen
(sub Sofie Svava 45mins), Emma Snerle (sub Katherine Kuhl 81mins), Pernille Harder (sub
Caroline Moller 73mins), Katrine Veje (sub Sara Holmgaard 81mins), Stine Larsen (sub
Olivia Holdt 73mins), Sofie Junge Pedersen (sub Sanne Troelsgaard 45mins), Nicoline
Sorensen, Sara Thrige Andersen. Subs not used: Katrine Svane, Katherine Larsen, Nadia
Nadim, Frederikke Thogersen, Signe Bruun, Josefine Hasbo, Luna Gevitz.
Issue no. 13 - 15 April 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk