Ireland celebrate their equaliserGetty Images

Ireland and Wales will meet on Tuesday at the Aviva Stadium with a spot at Euro 2025 the reward for the winner

Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales
At
Cardiff City Stadium

Wales and Republic of Ireland settled for a 1-1 draw in the Welsh capital that leaves both nations still dreaming of a place at Euro 2025.

An unfortunate own goal from Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark cancelled out Lily Woodham’s opportunistic opener in front of a record crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium for a Wales women’s international.

Woodham had given Wales a dream start when scored from their first shot, prodding home at the far post after Ireland failed to clear Jess Fishlock’s cross.

However, Ireland equalised in unusual fashion when Clark was caught out by a long-range effort from Ruesha Littlejohn that hit the crossbar and crossed the line after striking Clark’s head.

Wales had the better opportunities after the interval but Ireland came closest to a winner through Caitlin Hayes’ turn and shot, but Clark produced a stunning save to keep the scores level.

The two nations will now meet in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, 3 December with all still to play for after a cagey and absorbing contest in Cardiff.

Highlights: Wales 1-1 Republic of Ireland

The hand of history was on the shoulders of both sets of players as Wales chase a first major tournament appearance and Ireland a first Euros berth, with a record crowd of almost 17,000 in attendance.

After months of talk of destiny and making history, Wales’ players were tasked with making their dreams a reality as they chase a first major finals appearance and they produced an excellent display, their best under boss Rhian Wilkinson as they showed they will be no pushovers in Dublin.

For their greatest ever player, Fishlock, time is running out with Wales’ record appearance-maker and goalscorer turning 38 in January, while she will be in her 40s by the time of the next World Cup.

For Fishlock this tie arguably represents her now or never moment in terms of playing at a major finals and both managers had warned pre-match that they expected a cagey contest, which is exactly what we got.

Wales struggled to impose themselves in the early exchanges with Julie Russell missing the first big chance of the match as she scooped the ball wide after a long ball over the top caused Wales trouble.

However, it was not long until Fishlock was into the action and from her first telling contribution it was Wales who stole the advantage as Fishlock timed a run perfectly to beat Ireland’s offside trap and when Caitlin Hayes could only divert Fishlock’s cross, Woodham was in the perfect place to guide a first-time finish past Courtney Brosnan.

However, Wales’ control of the contest lasted only 14 minutes as Ireland equalised in unusual circumstances as Littlejohn’s speculative effort from 35-yards caught out Wales goalkeeper Clark who tipped the ball on the upright as she scrambled back, only for the ball to divert into the goal off the back of her head.

It was a cruel way for Wales to concede but no less than Ireland deserved from a first period where Wales scored with their only effort on goal.

Getty Images

Lily Woodham has now scored in back-to-back games against Republic of Ireland

Wales almost repeated that feat at the start of the second half as forward Ffion Morgan finally found some space, but she curled wide.

The hosts were improved after the interval and substitute Carrie Jones forced Brosnan to save from a long-range effort after Hayes’ last-gasp block denied a Rhiannon Roberts header.

With Fishlock dropping into a more central role Wales looked more controlled and Fishlock’s 25-yard freekick was saved by Brosnan as the hosts pushed for a winner.

However, it was Ireland who came closest to a second goal as Hayes shot on the turn as Wales failed to clear a set-piece and Clark produced a brilliant save to turn the ball over the crossbar.

Neither side was willing to risk over-committing to score a winner due to the risk of conceding ahead of the second leg, but it was Wales who came closest as substitute Kayleigh Barton’s injury-time cross just evaded Jones.

Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson on BBC Radio Wales:

"To go into this second leg all square is not a bad situation. Obviously we would have liked to win. It’s half-time.

"My team battled well. I wasn't as pleased with our style of play. We were too direct. Ireland are very good at what they do.

"They don't mess about with the ball, and I think we played into their hands so I expect more from the team in Dublin.

"This team likes to do things the difficult way. The team thrives in adversity so I look forward to seeing an incredible performance in Dublin."

Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson told BBC Sport Wales:

"It was definitely a battle. It was what I was expecting. It was evenly contested.

"I thought we started better then they came into it for the next 15 minutes or so. It kind of ebbed and flowed.

"There was a mistake for the goal but I'm proud of the girls for coming back and equalising.

"We always said it wouldn't be won or lost tonight. I'd prefer a win but, with a draw, we're in the game and we take it home. It's positive.

“We’d like to think we have the advantage now… going to our home, we love playing at the Aviva Stadium."

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