Wales produced a disciplined, solid performance as a goalless draw against Russia ensured they remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifying.
In difficult conditions in St Petersburg, Jayne Ludlow’s side defended superbly for long periods to keep a second clean sheet in as many games in Group 1, reports faw.cymru.
It means Wales have four points from two games and go top of the group ahead of a double-header against Kazakhstan and Bosnia and Herzegovina next month.
But it could have been even better for the visitors as they were denied a penalty in stoppage-time as Kayleigh Green went down under a challenge from Russia goalkeeper Tatyana Scherbak, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Natasha Harding almost gave Ludlow’s side a sixth-minute lead at the Minor Sport Arena as Green did well to play in the Liverpool forward, but her curling effort was well saved by Scherbak.
However, it was the hosts who created the clearer chances, with Wales goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan making two superb saves in the first half to keep out headers from Elena Danilova.
But the visitors – marshalled by skipper Sophie Ingle – restricted Russia to long-range efforts as Marina Fedorova saw a left-foot shot evade the crossbar.
Wales were forced into a change at the break as debutant Peyton Vincze was replaced by Nadia Lawrence, with the visitors being forced back into defending for long periods.
But despite heavy pressure on more than one occasion, every Russian attack was met by a head, body or block from a dogged Welsh defence.
And one point could so almost have been close to three in added time as Green went down under the challenge of Scherbak, but referee Vesna Budimir waved play on.
Wales now turn their attention to next month’s double header, starting with a home clash against Kazakhstan at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 24 November.
Russia: Scherbak, Kozhnikova (c), Sheykina, Cholovyaga, Smirnova (Morozova, 70), Belomyttseva, Danilova, Fedorova, Ziyastinova, Karpova, Chernomyrdina (Pantyukhina, ht).
Wales: O’Sullivan, Dykes, Ingle (c), Roberts, Harding, James, Green, Fishlock, Rowe, Ladd, Vincze (Lawrence, ht).
