Wales 0-0 Czech Republic: Dykes century of appearances ends in stalemate
A friendly record attendance crowd witnessed a goalless draw between Wales and the Czech Republic in Loren Dyke’s 100th appearance for Wales.
The Bristol City defender was named the captain for Wales’ return to Rodney Parade. She played the full match as she helped her defence to a clean sheet.
It was an even game between the two sides. The Czech Republic had more of the ball but Wales had the better of the chances. Jayne Ludlow’s side were made to defend for a majority of the second half as the Czechs proved to be a competitive test for Wales.
An interchange between Jess Fishlock and Kayleigh Green saw the Brighton forward feed in Fishlock but she blazed over the bar.
Youngster Elise Hughes and Helen Ward had a similar exchange as the Toffees midfielder flicked the ball to record-goalscorer Ward, hitting her shot into the side netting.
Despite a majority of the ball being spent in the Wales half, the hosts had another good opportunity. Elise Hughes headed just over the bar after Green crossed into 17-year-old.
Jess Fishlock’s strike from distance forced Barbora Votikova to dive to her near post after Wales’ earned the ball back from their high pressing.
Despite the chances presented to Jayne Ludlow’s side towards the end of the first half, they were unable to find that cutting edge as the first half drew to a close.
The Czech Republic were enjoying more of the ball in the second half and were creating more opportunities. Substitute Jitka Chlastakova almost fired her side into the lead quickly after her introduction but it went over the bar.
Jitka Chlastakova’s introduction was giving the visitors a new lease of life going forward and she gave the Czechs some creativity in the midfield.
Vladimír Hruška’s side continued to dominate in the second half. Chlastakova found Lucie Vonkova with a neat cross but the Bayern Munich striker’s flicked header fell into the warms of Laura O’Sullivan.
A rare chance in the final five minutes for Wales saw Jess Fishlock’s deflected effort fly just past the post.
Wales ended the game without a goal to their name. They’re now without a goal in their last seven games, with their last coming nine months ago against Russia.
They take on 2019 World Cup finalists New Zealand at Leckwith Stadium, Cardiff in June as the All Whites prepare for France.
Cymru: O’Sullivan, Dykes (C), Evans, Fishlock, Green (Morgan 87), Harding, Hughes (Horrell 81), Ingle, James, Ladd, Ward (Nolan 74)
Czech Republic: Votikova, Bartonova, Bertholdova, Cahynova, Divisova (Chlastkova 58), Martinkova (Buzkova 84), Necidova, Nepokojova (Dedinova 66), Starova, Vonkova, Vystejnova.
