By Hannah Blackwell
Jess Fishlock earned the praise of Helen Ward as the record for most goals scored by any player in a Welsh shirt passed from one to the other.
Fishlock broke the all-time Wales goalscoring record as Rhian Wilkinson’s side strolled to a 2-0 win over Kosovo in Llanelli.
Fishlock’s eighth-minute strike, following Carrie Jones’ assist, marked her 45th goal for Wales in her 154th appearance, surpassing previous top scorer Ward.
She's done it! 🤩
Jess Fishlock is Wales' all-time record goalscorer. 👏
🏴 Wales 1-0 Kosovo 🇽🇰
📻📺📲 Listen, watch & follow on @BBCRadioWales, @BBCTwo Wales & the @BBCSport website & app#BBCFootball #Wales pic.twitter.com/co7PDY1irq
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 16, 2024
On a comfortable night, Fishlock also turned provider for Wales’ second goal. Her effort struck a post, allowing Mary McAteer to score her first international goal from the rebound.
Wales were frustrated in their efforts to add to their tally but can be satisfied with a campaign that culminated in them winning group B4 and earning a seeded play-off draw for Euro 2025, along with a return to the Nations League top tier.
Ward, speaking on BBC Radio, said: “It’s a lovely finish. A really good through-ball, Jess takes it in her stride, and once she gets into that position there’s absolutely no doubt she puts it into the corner.
“I’m glad it was a nice finish and not one that’s come off her knee! Congratulations to Jess, it’s done now, we can get on with the game!”
Helen Ward 🤝 Jess Ficklock
Helen Ward reacts to Jess Fishlock taking her crown as Wales' all time leading goalscorer 🗣#BBCFootball #Wales pic.twitter.com/r6tW925ufn
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 16, 2024
Ex-Wales captain Kath Morgan added: “She deserves it. Well done Wales, well done Jess Fishlock.”
Fishlock’s personal milestone ensured a wonderful conclusion to what has been a successful qualifying campaign so far for Wales.
They head into Friday’s European Championship play-off draw as a seeded side, having topped group B4 – a success that also ensures a return to the top tier of the Nations League for 2025-26.
Wales are now eight games unbeaten, a run that started with their shock Nations League draw with Germany, and are gaining momentum as they look to participate in a major tournament for the first time.
Fishlock was replaced on 64 minutes with her job done and place in history assured, with only a major finals appearance now missing from one of Welsh football’s most glittering CVs.
⏰ FT | 🏴 2-0 🇽🇰
Victory in Llanelli seals top spot in our @WEURO2025 qualifying group 💪
💻 Match centre 👉 https://t.co/XlBwfVe2Pv#ForHer | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/zOhIyAZWMr
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) July 16, 2024