It was described by head coach Jayne Ludlow as one of the best away displays in the team's history - and sure enough, Wales Women produced a brilliant rearguard in Southampton last night to hold England to a 0-0 draw and stay top of their World Cup qualifying group.

The now familiar face of Pembrokeshire's Angharad James played in midfield, and the Everton player worked tirelessly as the visitors withstood heavy pressure over the 90 minutes. Another former local player in Nadia Lawrence, now with Yeovil Town, was an unused substitute as Ludlow opted not to make any changes during the 90 minutes.

And yet the result could have been even better, as Wales appeared to have scored during the first half when Natasha Harding’s shot deflected off an England defender, and England's Lucy Bronze appeared to clear the ball from behind the line but no goal was given. 

But at the other end, Welsh goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan was at her very vest to pull of a string of saves she pulled off save after save at St Mary’s as England’s frustrations grew throughout the game, forcing the Lionesses into long range efforts. 

And it was clear what the result meant to the Dragons as they embraced and celebrated at the final whistle.

The result keeps Wales a point clear of Phil Neville's side, but they have four games to play to Ludlow and co's just three.

They return to action in June with a doubleheader at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 7th) and Russia (June 12th).

Wales: O'Sullivan, Dykes, Ingle (c), Roberts, Harding, James, Green, Fishlock, Rowe, Ladd, Estcourt. Subs (not used): Griffiths, Lawrence, Skinner, Hughes, Fletcher, Miles, Ward. 

England:Telford, Bronze, McManus, Houghton, Stokes, Walsh, Nobbs, Kirby, Parris (Lawley 54’), Taylor (White 54’), Duggan (Mead 80’). Subs (not used): Bardsley, Daly, George, Christiansen.