By Megan Jenkins
Wales began life after Jess Fishlock with a humbling 5-2 defeat to Poland at Newport’s Rodney Parade.
The record goalscorer was given an emotional send-off following the loss to Australia last weekend – and this was an indication of just how much she may be missed.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side suffered a difficult evening throughout an eventful friendly that began with real promise.
Wales made a strong start and were rewarded in just the 4th minute when a Polish defensive mistake from a corner allowed Teagan Scarlett to feed Elise Hughes who calmly found the net for a 1-0 lead.
But Poland quickly grew into the game and began to dominate possession.
Their pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Nadia Krezyman fired a low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
The Poles struck again nine minutes later when Milena Kokosz found the top corner from outside the box despite Welsh ‘keeper Olivia Clark getting a hand to it.
A yellow card for Hayley Ladd and a Polish free kick over the wall and into the hands of Clark closed out a half that saw the visitors enjoy most of the ball.
Wales showed attacking mentality at the start of the second half with substitute Ceri Holland hitting the crossbar with her first touch, but defensive errors proved costly.
Krezyman got her second in the 55th minute by breaking through the Welsh defence and finishing past Clark.
Wales responded instantly through Carrie Jones who latched onto a Clark long ball and found the back of the net.
But any thoughts of a comeback were short-lived, as Paulina Tomasiak restored Poland’s two-goal lead almost immediately.
Poland dominated the rest of the game, moving the ball around with confidence and taking advantage of openings in the Welsh half.
In the 83rd minute, substitute Klaudia Jedlinska’s cross avoided everyone, including Clark, for Poland’s fifth goal.
For a team in the process of rebuilding, this defeat served as a reminder of the challenges ahead, but also of the opportunities that come with a new chapter for Wales.