A second-half Louise Quinn header gave Republic of Ireland a 1-0 victory over Wales in their second meeting in Marbella.
Laura O’Sullivan, Rhiannon Roberts and Kylie Nolan came into the Welsh side after Thursday’s goalless draw, while Claire O’Riordan came into the Irish starting line-up in place of the injured Megan Campbell.
In the first half the best chances came approaching the break, Leanne Kiernan’s cross was punched as far as the on-rushing Harriet Scott whose shot was blocked and Kayleigh Green played in Rhiannon Roberts but Marie Hourihan collected her half-volley.
Loren Dykes came on in the second half for her 99th Welsh cap but Ireland chalked up a goal just after the hour mark, Quinn rising highest to nod in Tyley Toland’s delivery moments after she’d fired narrowly over the bar from 30 yards.
What a win for the #IRLWNT🇮🇪 🆚 @Cymru earlier today!@louise_quinn4‘s fantastic second-half header secured an impressive win in Marbella, Spain!
Full report 👉 https://t.co/kHSDvnwVWj #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/3m4EhAfsmc
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 5, 2019
“It’s a fantastic victory for the team and I’m absolutely delighted with the players. I felt we struggled with the Welsh press in the first-half but really kicked on after the break and deservedly won,” said Republic of Ireland Head Coach Colin Bell.
“It’s been a great 10-day camp with the team, fantastic effort throughout from the entire squad and I would go so far as to say this is the best camp I’ve had with the team during my time here. The second-half performance was excellent, we had a number of brilliant phases of play and I’m delighted for the team to get the win.”
Wales: Laura O’Sullivan (Claire Skinner 48), Gemma Evans, Sophie Ingle, Rhiannon Roberts, Angharad James, Kayleigh Jones, Jessica Fishlock, Natasha Harding, Cori Williams, Hayley Ladd, Kylie Nolan, Claire Skinner.
Republic of Ireland: Marie Hourihan, Heather Payne, Harriet Scott, Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Tyler Toland, Leanne Kiernan (Amber Barrett 80), Denise O’Sullivan, Katie McCabe (C), Claire O’Riordan, Megan Connolly.
