Cymru began their 2023 Pinatar Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Philippines.
A Kayleigh Green penalty on the half time whistle was enough to separate the two teams, in what was at times a frustrating game to watch, with neither side creating many chances.
Gemma Grainger said after the last camp against Finland that she was prepared to make some changes to the squad, and we saw some tweaks in this game.
Safia Middleton-Patel made her debut in goal, while Rachel Rowe was moved into a midfield position, allowing Lily Woodham to slot in at left-back.
As many expected, Cymru had the lion’s share of possession early on in the half and played the ball around well. However, the Philippines were resolute in their defensive positioning.
The first Welsh chance fell to Rachel Rowe, but her close range volley was saved by Olivia McDaniel, who didn’t have much time to react to the effort.
For all of Wales’ possession, Rowe’s opportunity was the best chance of the half.
There was a naivety to the attack and a lack of cutting edge, and it wasn’t looking like there was a goal forthcoming.
Yet, Cymru were handed a golden opportunity before half time, as Dominique Randle bought down Rhiannon Roberts in the box, leaving the Czech referee no option but to point to the spot.
Kayleigh Green was tasked with the responsibility to convert the penalty, and she duly obliged to put Cymru in the lead at the break.
From the moment the referee blew her whistle to start the second half, the Philippines came out with a pressing style that was absent in the first half.
Substitute Katrina Guillou executed a dangerous turn and volley in the box, but Middleton-Patel held on well to stop the move.
In the build-up to the hour mark, the game did revert to tempo we saw in the first half; Cymru controlling play and moving the opposition defence around.
Again chances were at a premium, but Ceri Holland tested McDaniel in goal with a curling effort, but the Filipino keeper turned it round for a corner, which resulted in nothing.
The second half also saw the return of Hannah Cain to the international stage after spending over a year out with an ACL injury.
The Leicester player made a good impact after coming on, and she created space for herself in the box, but elected to pass to Green instead of shooting, and the Philippines cleared the danger.
It certainly wasn’t a vintage performance and there will be areas Gemma Grainger will work on, but it’s three points to start their quest for Pinatar glory.
Cymru will next be in action on Saturday night, where they will face Iceland.
Player of the Match: Ceri Holland
Not for the first time, Holland was a standout in an otherwise forgettable game. Her industriuous workrate and her willingness to take on her marker is to be applauded, and she is making that right wing spot her own
Cymru
Safia Middleton-Patel (GK), Lily Woodham, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Rhiannon Roberts (Charlie Estcourt, 67’), Sophie Ingle ©, Angharad James, Rachel Rowe, Ceri Holland, Carrie Jones (Hannah Cain, 67’), Kayleigh Green (Elise Hughes, 86’)
Unused Subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Liv Clark, Josie Green, Helen Ward, Georgia Walters, Meg Wynne, Anna Filbey, Esther Morgan
Goals: Kayleigh Green (45’ p)
The Philippines
Olivia McDaniel (GK), Dominique Randle, Hali Long, Isabella Flanigan (Katrina Guillou, 45’), Sofia Harrison, Sara Eggesvik, Tahnai Annis © (Meryll Abrahamsen, 64’), Quinley Quezada (Eva Madarang, 45’), Jessika Cowart (Kaya Hawkinson, 82’), Alicia Barker (Malea Cesar, 64’), Carleigh Frilles (Anicka Castañeda, 64’)
Unused Subs: Inna Palacios, Kiara Fontanilla, Camille Rodriguez, Reina Bonta, Maya Alcantara
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