Wilkinson pleased as Wales find a way to win

Rhian Wilkinson's Wales side are unbeaten in six matches [FAW] Rhian Wilkinson was pleased to see Wales grind out victory despite a below-par performance in their Women's World Cup qualifier in Albania. Wales were short of their best against opponents they had thrashed 4-0 in Wrexham last Tuesday. But on a nervy night in Elbasan, Rhiannon Roberts scored the only goal as Wales battled to keep their bid to reach Brazil 2027 on track.

"Today was a hard day," said Wales head coach Wilkinson. "I think we struggled in moments of the game, but I am really pleased that we found a way to win. "I think that is the mark of a good team, that on off-days – and today was an off-day – we managed to figure out a way to get three points.

" Wales' scrappy triumph means they remain second in Group B1, behind the Czech Republic – who were 4-1 winners against Montenegro earlier on Saturday – on goal difference. Wilkinson's side go to Montenegro in their next qualifying game on Saturday, 5 June before finishing the group phase against the Czechs in Cardiff four days later. Wales hold on for scrappy victory in Albania The girl from Barry who grew up to be world class The likelihood is that the battle to finish top of the group – and therefore secure a more favourable path in the play-offs later this year – will come down to the final game.

"It is a hard group," Wilkinson added. "We have to make sure we show up in every game and I think we learned that today, that there are no gimmes, no givens in this group. "We have got to make sure we earn the three points.