Wales Women 2 Hungary Women 0

Helen Ward and Charlie Estcourt struck as Wales got their Cyprus Cup campaign off to a flying start with victory over Hungary.

The St David’s Day victory in the Group C clash earned Wales revenge for their injury-time defeat against the Hungarians in the same competition 12 months ago.

Wales ended the day joint top with the Republic of Ireland with their next game back at the Tasos Marko Stadium in Paralimni against the Czech Republic on Friday.
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Ward netted on 34 minutes from the rebound after Angharad James’ header sparked an attack which saw Kayleigh Green’s effort saved.

Escort extended the lead on 66 minutes with Green again providing the assist to give Jayne Ludlow’s side a perfect start to the group.

“It’s always a good feeling to score for Wales and I think both the goals came at a good time in the game,” said Ward.

“We were in control but it’s always good to use that pressure and get a goal at the end of it. The second especially killed them off.

“We spoke a lot about last year and how we’ve developed in the year since. We wanted to come here and win the games. First game, first win and we’re really pleased about.

“We also spoke about finishing games strongly. Obviously last year they beat us with a late winner so it was nice for us to close the game out today and keep a clean sheet.”

Estcourt said: “We were 1-0 up at half-time when I came on. We’d competed really well and we’d been on top of them for most of the half. It was great to come on and get that goal.

“The goal got put out wide to Kayleigh and I made it into the box and got on the end of a cross to make it 2-0.

“We controlled the game in the second half and we saw it out really well. We’re all really pleased with the result.

“I think it’s really good that us youngsters are coming on and playing well and showing that we can compete. It’s great experience for us playing in tournaments like the Cyprus Women’s Cup.”

Ward admits Wales are in confident mood ahead of the game against the Czech Republic as Wales look to improve on last year’s finishing position of sixth.

“We’re confident,: added Ward. “The Czechs are going to be hurting after their 2-0 loss against the Republic of Ireland. They’re going to want to come out and get points on the board against us.

“But we’ve watched both teams, they both have good qualities, both got strong players but we’ve got nothing to fear. We’ve come out and played really well in our first game and we’re sitting top of the group with Ireland now.”