Cymru in comfortable win over Faroe Islands
International
22 October 2020

Cymru in comfortable win over Faroe Islands

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 Cymru’s quest for Euro 2021 qualification continues. 

Cymru started the game strongly and forced the Faroe Islands to play deep from the outset. Within the first ten minutes, Fishlock supplied dangerous crosses into the box from the left-hand side. Kayleigh Green’s header came close after 9 minutes, edging just over the bar before another Fishlock cross found James and resulted in another header going wide. 

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 Cymru 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 goal-scorer’s first goal in three years and opened the floodgate for others to follow.

Helen Ward fires Cymru into the lead.
Helen Ward fires Cymru into the lead.

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, Cymru were comfortably in control of the match before Harding solidified the lead after 58 minutes. 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 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. 

Players celebrate with Lily Woodham after scoring her first goal for Cymru.
Players celebrate with Lily Woodham after scoring her first goal for Cymru.

“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.” 

– Jayne Ludlow

Cymru’s confidence grew and grew into the second half, with Ludlow making her final 3 substitutions with 30 minutes left of the match and gave two youngsters, Lily Woodham and Georgia Walters, their senior debuts. 

Having replaced Harding, Lily Woodham instantly made an impact and secured her first Cymru 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 said: “We started a little bit slower than we would have liked but I’m really pleased with the result and the performance.” 

The Cymru 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 Cymru 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 Ludlow’s Cymru will face the group leaders Norway at Cardiff City Stadium in their penultimate match of the EURO 2021 qualification campaign. 

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CYMRU: 1 Laura O'Sullivan 3 Gemma Evans 4 Sophie Ingle 5 Rhiannon Roberts 7 Helen Ward (18 Kylie Nolan 62’) 8 Angharad James 9 Kayleigh Green (19 Lily Woodham 62’) 10 Jessica Fishlock (6 Josie Green 46’) 11 Natasha Harding (22 Georgia Walters 62’) 14 Hayley Ladd 17 Nadia Lawrence ( 13 Rachel Rowe 53’)  

SUBS not used: 12 Olivia Clark 21 Francesca Soper Poppy 2 Maria Francis-Jones 15 Elise Hughes 16 Charlotte Estcourt 20 Carrie Jones 23 Chloe Williams

 

FAROE ISLANDS: 1 Óluva Joensen 2 Elisabeth Vang 4 Birita Ryan 6 Heidi Sevdal 7 Ásla Johannesen 8 Kára Djurhuus 3 Marita Á Fríðriksmørk 87’) 10 Olga Kristina Hansen (14 Mona Rasmusdóttir 79’13 Jensa Kannuberg Tórolvsdóttir (11 Evi Á Lakjuni 69’) 16 Sanna Jacobsen (19 Sarita Maria Mittfoss 87’) 17 Sara Samson Lamhauge(20 Lea Lisberg 79’) 18 Jacoba Langgaard; SUBSTITUTES: 12 Monika Biskopstø 23 Valborg Østerø 5 Maria Á Lakjuni 15 Hanna Lamhauge Jacobsen 19 Sarita Maria Mittfoss