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."

Roberts' first-half strike – which Albania felt should have been disallowed for handball – settled a contest in which Wales laboured in possession for long spells.

There were defensive scares too, with the home side twice striking the woodwork.