Wales icon Jess Fishlock became her country’s all-time record goalscorer as she netted her 45th goal in the 2-0 win over Kosovo.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side took on Kosovo in a UEFA Women’s Championship qualifier, with Fishlock tied with fellow legend Helen Ward, now retired from Wales duty, locked on 44 goals for their country heading into the match.
And it took just eight minutes for Fishlock to find the back of the net and become the outright top scorer. The 37-year-old latched on to a pass just outside the box before driving past a defender towards the penalty spot. As she has done so many times, she coolly slotted past the Kosovan ‘keeper before wheeling away in celebration.
On her 155th cap, Fishlock further cemented her name into Welsh football folklore, only adding to her reputation as one of her country’s greatest, if not the greatest, players.
Ward, speaking on BBC Radio, said: “It’s a lovely finish. A really good through-ball, Jess takes it in her stride, and once she gets into that positio there’s absolutely no doubt she puts it into the corner.
“I’m glad it was a nice finish and not one that’s come off her knee! Congratulations to Jess, it’s done now, we can get on with the game!”
Because work was not yet finished, with Wales still wanting to win their final group match to secure qualification back to League A of the Nations League. And Mary McAteer further calmed Welsh nerves with her first goal for her country to double the Welsh lead on 27 minutes.
And Wales held firm from then on, securing that two-goal win and a group-topping win at that. They will return to the top tier of the Nations League. And in theory they have earned themselves an easier draw, in theory, when it comes to attempting to qualify for the Euros.
But there is no doubt the 4,199 in attendance at Llanelli will remember one thing over anything else for years to come – they were there to see a legend do what she does best and claim a much deserved accolade in the process.
Ex-Wales captain Kath Morgan added: “She deserves it. Well done Wales, well done Jess Fishlock.”
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