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Thursday, March 12, 2026

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Wales cruise after first half goal blast

Wales produced a dominant display at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, securing a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Montenegro in their FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 qualifier.

Hannah Cain and Mared Griffiths both struck twice, with further goals from Rachel Rowe and Sophie Ingle, as Rhian Wilkinson's side claimed their first win of the campaign and moved top of their group.

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson made four changes from the side that drew 2-2 with the Czech Republic in the opening qualifier, prioritising pace to exploit Montenegro's defence. Carrie Jones, Mared Griffiths and Mia Ross all started, while Safia Middleton-Patel was selected in goal. Captain Angharad James was named among the substitutes, with Ceri Holland taking on the armband.

Wales made a blistering start, overwhelming Montenegro with their speed. They took the lead after just seven minutes when Holland released Cain, who raced clear and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Senita Kalac.

The second followed swiftly as Cain burst down the right and squared for Rachel Rowe to finish off a slick attacking move. Montenegro's troubles deepened two minutes later as Sophie Ingle delivered a crossfield pass to Griffiths, whose header forced a spill from Kalac, allowing the forward to capitalise on the loose ball for a 3-0 lead.

Wales continued to press relentlessly and after Montenegro initially cleared a corner, Mia Ross looped the ball back into the six yard area, where Ingle headed home for the fourth. The Montenegro defence was all over the place and as half time approached, Lily Woodham provided a precise pass for Cain to add her second and make it five at the interval.

The second half was more fragmented due to multiple substitutions, with Montenegro aiming to shore up their struggling defence and Wales managing their lead by introducing fresh legs. Against the run of play, Armisa Kuc pulled one back for the visitors in the 51st minute, lobbing Middleton-Patel after latching onto a ball over the top from Jasna Djokovic.

Wales quickly regained control and created several chances for a sixth goal. It arrived in the 78th minute through a flowing move from defence through midfield to attack. Griffiths used her pace to get beyond her marker and finished confidently for her second of the game, rounding Kalace to put the seal on a 6-1 triumph.

Wales: Safia Middleton-Patel, Hayley Ladd, Mia Ross, Rhiannon Roberts, Sophie Ingle (sub Angharad James 67mins), Carrie Jones, Lily Woodham (sub Ffion Morgan 45mins), Mared Griffiths, Hannah Cain (sub Mary McAteer 67mins), Rachel Rowe (sub Lois Joel 45mins), Ceri Holland (sub Gemma Evans 84mins). Subs not used: Elise Hughes, Poppy Soper, Soffia Kelly, Esther Morgan, Gwen Zimmerman, Ella Powell, Charlie Estcourt.  

Montenegro: Senita Kalac, Darija Djukic, Helena Bozic (sub Maja Saranovic 39mins), Sladjana Bulatovic (sub Nadja Stanovic 65mins), Jelena Karlicic, Andrea Janjusevic (sub Katarina Cadenovic 84mins), Masa Tomasevic, Jasna Djokovic (sub Alexandra Popovic 84mins), Selma Licina, Armisa Kuc, Medina Desic. Subs not used: Tatjana Osmajic, Sara Simonovic, Jovana Saric, Jelena Petrovic, Nadja Djurdjevac, Ajsa Kalac, Anastasija Kristovic, Tanja Malesija.