Chelsea striker Ward celebrates 50th Wales cap with a goal

Striker Helen Ward says she was delighted to celebrate her 50th Wales cap with a goal in the won over Belarus.

Ward's 81st minute goal helped Wales to a 1-0 win in their 2015 World Cup qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday.

She scored her 30th goal for her country to put Wales second in Group 6 after their opening game.

"It being my 50th cap was a big enough occasion in itself," said Ward.

"Luckily, it fell on this date and at this stadium and to top it off with a goal - I cannot really ask for more.

"It was a hard-fought game and I was just pleased to see it go in.

"I would have been just as pleased had anyone scored because at that stage of the game we were really pressing for a goal."

Wales created enough chances against Belarus, with captain Jess Fishlock, and teenager Nicolas Cousins all going close before Ward sealed the win nine minutes from time.

Ward admitted it was frustrating not to score more goals against Belarus but says the win was all-important ahead of Wales first game against England on 26 October.

"We felt quite comfortable during the game, but the longer it goes without scoring, the more difficult it becomes to score," said Ward.

"To get the goal around the 80th minute was vital.

"I would have been happy for any of the girls to score to get us 1-0 up.

"Just to get three points on the board is massive and pushes us onto the England game in October.

"It wasn't our best performance but we got the win."