Top spot in group is still our target, says boss Ludlow

WALES manager Jayne Ludlow says her side are still chasing top spot in Women’s Euro 2021 qualifying.

A 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland on Tuesday means Wales have ground to make up on group favourites Norway with four games remaining.

Fourth-placed Northern Ireland trail Wales by six points, but have a far easier run-in with double-headers against Belarus and the Faroe Islands set to play.

Wales still have to play Norway – who beat Northern Ireland 6-0 home and away – twice.

But Ludlow insists Wales are still positive about their prospects of reaching a first major finals.

The runners-up in Group C are guaranteed at least a play-off berth and Ludlow is still hoping that the team in that slot could be Norway.

“We have two Norway games. We look forward to the challenge come April and further into the New Year,” she said.

“We look forward to those games so we would not concede that (Wales are playing for second) not from our perspective, no.”

Ludlow was pleased with the performance of her side at Seaview in a contest Wales dominated in terms of possession and chances created.

Rachel Rowe and Angharad James both missed gilt-edged chances as Wales were also left to rue a couple of penalty appeals for handball that were waved away.

“It was a great game of football for 90 minutes, it was the most interesting 0-0 draw I think I have ever been a part of,” Ludlow said.

“We created numerous chances and hopefully on another night we will take them. There are lots of positives. We defended really well, kept a clean sheet away from home and four games in we are unbeaten and we are pleased.

“We competed well, we dug-in at times but we also played some great football.”