Slovakia 2-1 Cymru
- Slovakia spring surprise on Cymru
- Fishlock & Morgan off the bench make impact
- Morgan goal keeps the tie alive for Cardiff return
Ffion Morgan scored what could prove to be a crucial goal for Cymru in the final moments of the match, but it’s Slovakia who head to Cardiff with the advantage following their 2-1 win in Poprad.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side made a positive start with Charlie Estcourt and Carrie Jones asking a few early questions of the Slovakian defence with goalkeeper Mária Korenčiová called into action.
Missing a wealth of midfield experience with Jess Fishlock and Sophie Ingle out of the starting line-up, the home side quickly reversed the trend and began testing Cymru with Martina Šurnovská and Mária Mikolajová continually causing problems at the back.
Cymru goalkeeper Olivia Clark was in superb form and had to be at her best as Slovakia finished the half as the stronger of the two teams. However, there was still time for Ceri Holland to put a fine ball behind the home defence but it narrowly passed Kayleigh Barton by at the far post.
Slovakia took the lead immediately after the re-start. A defensive mix-up between Josie Green and Clark gifted the home side with a corner, and despite clearing the initial danger, Šurnovská fired a shot from the edge of the area to give her side the lead.
On 58 minutes the lead was doubled. A foul from captain Angharad James was punished with a yellow card and a goal as Mikolajová took advantage of the situation with an incredible strike to give Clark absolutely no chance.
Fishlock was introduced on 64 minutes and made a positive contribution with her creativity on the ball, but it was defender Gemma Evans who made a key contribution as her superb tackle on Šurnovská denied the forward a one-on-one opportunity with Clark.
Cymru continued to push to reduce the deficit with Rowe and Barton going close. However, a fine finish from substitute Morgan in the final minute of the match has made a huge difference to this tie, and the momentum is very much back with Wilkinson’s side ahead of the second leg.
That second leg takes place on Tuesday (29 October) at Cardiff City Stadium with a 7:15pm kick off. Click here for tickets.
As it happened
All the action from this UEFA Women’s EURO Play-Off
