Ludlow proud of performance of Wales in defeat to Norway

Wales manager Jayne Ludlow says she was proud of her side’s performance in their 1-0 defeat to Norway.

Guro Reiten’s 29th minute strike gave the top seeds the victory in their European Championship qualifier.

Wales however battled well and had a late penalty appeal turned down by the referee.

In her post-match interview, Ludlow said: “When you think of our expectations, I am so proud of how hard the girls worked and the fact that we’ve created opportunities – ok, we didn’t get the details right and take them – but the fact we’ve created far more opportunities than people would have expected makes me so proud of the girls.

“But it was a good performance, an improving performance again, which is all I can ask for.

“If we can improve again next month, then hopefully improving means we take our chances.”

Despite the defeat, Wales remain second in the group but Northern Ireland are close on their tails.

Ludlow’s side have home qualifiers against Belarus and Norway next month.

“The girls have a month to play some more games and we will look forward to the next camp.”

“We knew it would be a tough test against Norway, they are a great side and ranked above us, but we put in a great shift.

“We had to defend really well and I thought we had chances to nick a goal, but unfortunately it didn’t go our way.

“At this top level you have to take the chances you get and unfortunately we didn’t do that. We created quite a lot of chances, we just weren’t clinical enough.

“We have a few weeks now, hopefully, everyone keeps fit for their clubs and we have the massive challenge of Norway coming to our place.”

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)