Wales 2-0 Kosovo: Jess Fishlock breaks all-time goalscoring record

Jess Fishlock broke Helen Ward’s record to become Wales’ all-time record goalscorer, as Wales defeated Kosovo 2-0 at Parc y Scarlets.

Fishlock scored goal number 45 of her Wales career eight minutes into the contest to send the crowd wild. There was also a first international goal for Mary McAteer in the first half, as Wales saw the game out relatively comfortably.

The victory ensures Wales finish top of League B4 of their Nations League campaign, and it means they will play in League A in the next edition of the tournament.

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson elected to make five changes from the side that won away in Croatia last time out. There was a competitive debut for goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, while Charlie Estcourt, Lily Woodham, Carrie Jones, and Mary McAteer came into the side.

Olivia Clark, Ceri Holland, Ella Powell, Rachel Rowe, and Kayleigh Barton were the ones to make way in Llanelli.

The eyes of everyone, as the Swiss referee started the game, were on Jess Fishlock. Could the superstar find that record-breaking goal?

Within two minutes, we almost had our answer. In typical Fishlock fashion, she waltzed into a bit of space in the box, opened her body up and got her shot away. However, Kosovo’s debuting 17-year-old goalkeeper, Djellza Mehmeti, stuck out a leg expertly to deny her. So close, but not yet.

Six minutes later, another chance emerged for the history chaser, and this time, she made no mistake. Latching onto Carrie Jones’ through ball, Fishlock took a touch, composed herself, and guided the ball into the bottom corner. Cue euphoria, cue a standing ovation. The Seattle Reign star had done it and is now Wales’ new all-time record goal scorer.

Now that Helen Ward’s record had been broken, attention turned to other narratives within the contest. There were plenty of players in red who hadn’t scored an international goal, but for one striker, her moment was about to arrive.

Once again Fishlock was involved, as she made a darting run into the box and got a shot away, but she could only see the ball cannon back off the post. However, arriving at the right time was Mary McAteer, who latched onto the loose ball quickly and tucked her strike home. You only needed to look at her celebrations to know how much that goal, that priceless goal, meant to her.

It was becoming more apparent that Wales were in a goalscoring mood, and they wanted more before the break. Sophie Ingle went close after Fishlock nodded the ball back to her impeccably in the box, but it wasn’t to be.

An exciting and record-breaking half came to a close with Wales in a comfortable position.

Mary McAteer settling into life in Wales camp

Into the second act and Wales, but perhaps more importantly Fishlock, picked up where she left off. Charlie Estcourt’s searching cross found the head of the taliswoman, but her diving header was well held by Mehemti.

For all the chances Wales created, Kosovo were certainly holding their own. Unlike Croatia last weekend, they carried a front foot first approach, and it allowed them to create some chances. Hayley Ladd lost the ball cheaply, and that allowed Valentina Limani to go through one-on-one, but the Eintracht Frankfurt forward blazed the ball over. A let off for Wales.

In truth, the majority of the second half wasn’t at the standard the first half was. What was this down to? Who knows, but Wilkinson’s side will need to be at it for the whole 90 minutes when they enter the playoffs.

The playoffs are for the future. As far as the now is concerned, Wales did roar back into life a little bit in the latter stages. Substitute Rachel Rowe saw her volley saved in what was the only clear Welsh chance in the second half, but it mattered not in the end, as Wilkinson’s team finish their Nations League campaign unbeaten.

Wales will next be in action in the first round of the playoffs, with the first leg of those, which Wales will be away from home for, taking place on October 23^rd.

Player of the Match: Jess Fishlock

Outside of the record-breaking moment, Fishlock was superb today. Playing little balls through to teammates, finding pockets of space, getting good shots away. In many ways, this was a vintage Fishlock performance, and she thoroughly deserves the Player of the Match crown.

Wales

Safia Middleton-Patel, Rhiannon Roberts (Mayzee Davies 64’), Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Charlie Estcourt, Angharad James ©, Sophie Ingle (Alice Griffiths 64’), Lily Woodham, Carrie Jones (Rachel Rowe 72’), Jess Fishlock (Lois Joel 65’), Mary McAteer (Kayleigh Barton 81′)

Unused subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Olivia Clark, Ceri Holland, Tianna Teisar, Ellen Jones, Ella Powell, Alice Griffiths, Ffion Morgan

Goals: Jess Fishlock (8’), Mary McAteer (27’)

Kosovo

Djellza Mehmeti, Rrezona Ramadani (Edona Kryeziu 82′), Viola Avduli, Blerta Smaili, Fatlinda Ramaj, Valentina Limani, Valentina Metaj (Vanesa Hoti 69’), Lumbardha Misini (Marigonë Tahiri 90′), Kaltrina Biqkaj (Modesta Uka 82′), Elizabeta Ejupi (Donjeta Halilaj 46’), Erëleta Memeti

Unused subs: Besarta Leci, Alma Demiri, Besarta Hisenaj, Blerta Shala, Egzonë Zeka, Albulena Fejza, Agnesa Gashi

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)