Rhiannon Roberts scores only goal as Wales battle past Albania

Wales kept themselves joint-top of their Women’s World Cup qualifying group after battling to a hard-earned 1-0 win over Albania in Elbasan.

Rhian Wilkinson’s side had beaten Albania 4-0 in Wrexham on Tuesday night, but found their second encounter much more of a scrappy affair with few clear-cut chances.

Rhiannon Roberts close-range effort from a first-half corner proved the difference, as Albania finished empty handed despite twice hitting the woodwork.

Sophie Ingle was named captain to mark her 150th appearance and Wales had made a bright start.

Mared Griffiths was sent clear down the left early on and surged towards the left side of the penalty area, but could only manage a tame shot at Albania keeper Rajmonda Spahiu, with Hannah Cain calling for a square pass across goal.

Albania then almost took the lead when Megi Doci’s cross went over Wales keeper Safia Middleton-Patel and dropped on to the top of the crossbar.

Wales made the breakthrough in the 27th minute when Spahiu failed to deal with a corner and Roberts – who had also scored in Wrexham – stabbed the ball over the line.

Ingle thought she had scored a second just before half-time at the near post from another corner, but was ruled offside.

Bristol midfielder Ingle had another chance after the restart after being picked out by Mared Griffiths, but her shot was too close to Spahiu.

Albania struck the crossbar again on the hour through a 20-year effort from Ilarja Zarka.

Middleton-Patel produced a fine late save from Fortesa Berisha’s header as Wilkinson’s side held out for a hard-earned victory.

Wales moved level on 10 points in Group B1 with the Czech Republic, who earlier beat Montenegro 4-1 away.

Wilkinson’s side travel to Montenegro for their next qualifier in June and then host the Czechs.