Highlights: Wales 2-0 Kosovo - Jess Fishlock claims scoring record

Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales journalist at Parc y Scarlets

Jess Fishlock broke the all-time Wales goalscoring record as Rhian Wilkinson’s side cruised to a 2-0 win over Kosovo in Llanelli.

Fishlock’s eighth-minute strike after Carrie Jones’ smart through ball was her 45th goal for Wales, scored in her 154th appearance as she moved ahead of previous top scorer Helen Ward.

Fishlock turned provider for Wales’ second goal on a comfortable night as her effort struck a post with Mary McAteer scoring her first international goal from the rebound.

Wales were frustrated in their efforts to add to their tally but can be satisfied with a campaign that culminated in them winning group B4 and earning a seeded play-off draw for Euro 2025 and a return to the Nations League top tier.

GOAL: Jess Fishlock scores a record-breaking 45th goal for Wales

Fishlock makes history

On a night when Wales celebrated completing their ambition of topping their qualification group as they look to write a new chapter in their footballing history with qualification for a first major finals, all eyes were on Fishlock, the player of her generation.

Every bit as important to Wales as the likes of John Charles, Ian Rush and Gareth Bale, Fishlock’s statistics almost defy belief.

Wales’ all-time record appearance holder, Fishlock has started in 152 of her 154 internationals, with the Seattle Reign midfielder appearing in over 68% of every Wales women’s match in history.

Fishlock plays an advanced role for her country now, but she used to be utilised as a deep-lying midfielder, making her goalscoring record all the more impressive.

Her intentions were clear as early as the second minute when Sophie Ingle picked her out in space and Fishlock’s firm shot was well saved by goalkeeper Djellza Mehmeti, the 17-year-old making her debut.

However, there was to be no denying Fishlock who needed just eight minutes to score the all-important goal as she was presented with time and space thanks to Carrie Jones’ excellent through ball, before firing home emphatically.

Fishlock remains the player who makes Wales tick and it was no surprise that she was directly involved in their second goal as her firmly struck 20-yard effort cannoned off the upright and presented McAteer with a tap-in as she scored her first international goal.

The central figure for Wales as they pushed for a third before half-time, Fishlock's flick-on freed Ingle, but she volleyed narrowly over the crossbar.

Fishlock was replaced on 64 minutes with her job done and place in history assured, with only a major finals appearance now missing from one of Welsh football’s most glittering CVs.

Helen Ward reacts to Jess Fishlock becoming Wales leading goalscorer

Wales earn Nations League A berth

Fishlock’s personal milestone ensured a wonderful conclusion to what has been a successful qualifying campaign so far for Wales.

They head into Friday’s European Championship play-off draw as a seeded side having topped group B4, a feat that also ensures a return to the top tier of the Nations League for 2025-26.

Wales are now eight games unbeaten, a run that started with their shock Nations League draw with Germany, and are gaining momentum as they look to taste a major tournament for the first time.

There was plenty for the home supporters at Parc y Scarlets to enjoy as Wales played with fluency before the interval, with wing-backs Lily Woodham and Charlie Estcourt impressing after earning recalls.

McAteer’s first goal was another positive as the Sunderland forward – only 20 years old – continues to stake her claim for a more regular starting berth.

With newly appointed Wales men’s manager Craig Bellamy watching on, Wales were in cruise control and they almost paid the price for switching off on the hour mark, but Valentina Limani blazed over the crossbar.

Wales struggled to increase their advantage with the game effectively won, but substitute Rachel Rowe tested Mehmeti with a fierce volley, with the debutant producing a smart save on a night when she impressed.

Wilkinson’s side were forced to settle for a 2-0 scoreline as the game petered out, but they have put themselves in the spot they wanted as a seeded side for the European Championship play-offs, with the night ending in celebration and Fishlock being drenched in champagne by her team-mates.

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