It was a display that ended in defeat, but also one which provided renewed hope that Wales Women can qualify for a first major international tournament.

Jayne Ludlow's side went down 1-0 to Norway in their European Championship qualifier in Oslo last night, as Guro Reiten's first half goal settled a largely even contest.

Reiten pounced after Welsh goalkeeper Laura O'Sullivan missed a punch from a corner.

Aside from that Wales coped well with the threat posed by the hosts and at the other end Jess Fishlock and Kayleigh Green both went close from long range. The visitors also had a late shout for a penalty turned down.

Pembrokeshire's Angharad James also stood out in midfield, with her set piece deliveries causing problems for the Norwegians throughout the night. Afterwards, James also paid tribute to Welsh skipper Sophie Ingle, who was celebrating her 100th cap.

James herself has now reached 81 caps, despite still only being 26.

Another Pembrokeshire product in Nadia Lawrence was among the substitutes, and there was further local involvement in the television studio, with former Welsh keeper Joanna Price working as a BBC pundit.

The squad will now turn their focus to three crucial home games.

The result all but ended any chance Wales had of winning Group C and qualifying automatically, but with three games to go Ludlow's side remain well placed to finish second.

They lie two points clear of third placed Belarus, and three clear of Northern Ireland, although the former do have a game in hand.

In late October, Wales host Faroe Islands (Thursday 22nd) before being at home to Norway again five days later (Tuesday 27th) - before a potentially pivotal finale against Belarus on December 1st.

From the nine groups, the three best runners up will qualify for the tournament in England in July 2022, a year later than originally scheduled, while the remaining six will enter into a play off.