Wales Women Watch: How Wales stars got off in Continental Cup
. @helenwardie10 fires in #watfordfc’s first goal of the game against @CardiffCityLFC! 📸 pic.twitter.com/PBcpgk1pZ0
— Watford FC Ladies (@watfordfcladies) August 19, 2018
With Wales’ crucial World Cup qualifying clash with England in two weeks, manager Jayne Ludlow will be interested in the progress of her players.
Her players will be in action for the next two weeks in the Continental Cup, with a number of players in the first-team action, keeping themselves match fit for the showpiece fixture at Rodney Parade.
In a pre-season where a number of players have moved to a higher division, they have now all made their competitive debuts for their clubs.
Wales’ all-time record goalscorer in both the men’s and women’s squads, Helen Ward was on the scoresheet against Cardiff City Ladies, celebrating her first game as Hornets captain.
She scored against Wales number one Laura O’Sullivan early on, before restoring her sides’ lead near the break, from the spot. Ward set up Andrea Carid for Watford’s third. The 32-year-old had her hat trick and five for Watford.
Fellow Wales forward Kylie Nolan was also on the scoresheet, scoring Cardiff City’s two goals, in each half, both from close range. Nadia Lawrence was also on the losing side with Cardiff City.
Sophie Ingle played in front of a 1095 crowd, as she made a winning start to her second spell with Chelsea Women. It was at the expense of Wales team-mate Kayleigh Green, who was on the losing side as the Seagulls lost 3-1 to the Blues.
Rhiannon Roberts had a losing start as a Liverpool player following her move in the summer. She played in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, as they made their first-ever appearance as a Women’s side.
Natasha Harding and Rachel Rowe played in Reading’s 4-1 win over Durham. Harding almost scored with her effort hitting the post.
PENALTIES | Ladd fires over the crossbar for Birmingham.@BCFCwomen | ⚽️❌⚽️⚽️⚽️❌❌#mancity | ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️❌❌
— Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) August 19, 2018
Ladd was named in Birmingham City’s starting line-up. She was denied the opening goal, with an effort cleared off the line. The 24-year-old also played a key pass to Staniforth, who almost scored.
The game finished goalless and Ladd missed a penalty which ended up proving costly, as Manchester City won 5-4 on penalties.
The game finishes a draw and Bristol will take home a point, but Leicester claim the extra point after a 4-2 victory on penalties.
— Bristol City WFC (@bristolcitywfc) August 19, 2018
Loren Dykes captained Bristol City, whilst Gemma Evans made her Bristol City debut. It was a point gained for the Vixens but they lost out on an extra point, as Leicester City won 4-2 on penalties. Neither players took a penalty.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
