´óÏó´«Ã½

Wales finally ended their long goal drought to beat World Cup-bound New Zealand 1-0.

Kayleigh Green's 90th-minute winner meant Wales found the net more than 12 hours since their previous goal, against Russia in June 2018.

But it had needed Laura O'Sullivan's first-half penalty save from Sarah Gregorius to keep Wales in the game.

The Football Ferns now head to France for the World Cup, which begins on Friday.

The result, in front of a crowd of more than 2,000, was a big fillip for Wales against a New Zealand side who beat England in Brighton last week.

Having not scored for more than seven successive matches, since a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Russia, Jayne Ludlow refreshed her side and tinkered with her system as she prepares for Euro 2021 qualifying, which begins in August.

Wales stuck with three central defenders, a platform that saw them produce seven clean sheets in that World Cup qualifying campaign, though captain Sophie Ingle was afforded a freer role, playing in advance of central defenders Hayley Ladd and Loren Dykes.

Key midfielders Jessica Fishlock and Angharad James missed out as they were rested after a long campaign, while the Football Ferns were boosted by the return of Hannah Wilkinson, who was starting her first game back after cruciate ligament surgery.

Despite the contest being played at a brisk tempo, chances were few and far between until Gemma Evans headed over from a corner for the hosts.

New Zealand responded and a firm strike from Olivia Chance fizzed over the crossbar.

Wales' new-look front three was impressing, with Everton's youngster Elise Hughes providing a physical threat and allowing Green and record scorer Helen Ward to find space. Ward almost teed up Green on 35 minutes with some fine footwork, but the Ferns were able to block.

Wilkinson looked a threat for the visitors and O'Sullivan needed to be at full stretch to tip away her acrobatic volley.

However, that was merely a warm-up to a spectacular stop as O'Sullivan dived all full stretch to her left to deny Gregorius from the penalty spot after the diminutive forward was tripped by Harding.

Wales ended the half on the front foot with Ingle's new role allowing her to power her way forward, but her volley was well held by Erin Nayler.

Both sides made several second-half changes and it was substitute Rosie White who almost opened the scoring for New Zealand, but her chip was just too strong and clipped the top of the crossbar.

Tom Sermanni's side, 19th in the world rankings, are 14 spots higher than Wales, but there was never an evident gulf in class as Ludlow's side more than held their own.

They created a few half-chances after the interval, with Green twice testing Nayler and Emma Jones also coming close with a stinging effort as Wales finished strongly.

Their reward finally came in stoppage time as Green nipped in front of Nayler to head home a clever flick-on.

Wales manager Jayne Ludlow told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport Wales:

"It was a great test for us. We were pleased to play this level of opposition. At times they caused us problems, which was what we wanted.

"But at times we created chances and the intensity we still had in the last 10 minutes of the game was probably the most pleasing thing.

"We know we can change gear and if we are still in a game we can go and hopefully get three points out of it.

"I am really looking forward to getting them back in the camp now in August."