THE Wales women’s side concluded their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Austria at Rodney Parade.

Jayne Ludlow’s side will not be at the tournament in the Netherlands but a tough contest produced plenty of encouraging signs as they prepare for the World Cup 2019 qualifiers, which begin next year.

The visitors produced an Austrian war cry from their pre-match huddle and there were whoops of joy at the end as they secured their passage to a first ever finals.

They roared out of the blocks and almost opening the scoring as early as the third minute as defender Carina Wenninger found space in the area but headed a free-kick against the post with Welsh goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan beaten.

Wales soon got into their stride, however, and Kayleigh Green went close at the other end after beating goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger to the ball and rounding her but then shooting straight at the Austrian number one.

Zinsberger was then involved in a bizarre incident that ended with her being booked for handling outside the box.

The goalkeeper was seemingly confused by the rugby markings at Rodney Parade, which were covered with green paint, and carried the ball up to the 22m line – a good three yards outside the area.

Jess Fishlock wasted the resulting free-kick, a low drive that Zinsberger saved comfortably to save her blushes.

Austrian coach Dominik Thalhammer was furious that his side were not awarded a penalty when Laura Feiersinger appeared to be tripped in the area.

Helen Ward, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Israel last week, tested Zinsberger again eight minutes after the restart.

And at the other end Verena Aschauer and Katharina Schiechti both fired just wide and O’Sulivan just about kept out a low drive from Aschauer but a goal continued to prove elusive for both sides.

For Wales Angharad James bent a fierce shot just off target before Fishlock saw another free-kick saved by Zinsberger and then sent another effort inches wide.

Charlie Estcourt, who came off the bench to score against the Israelis last week, was introduced in place of Green with 20 minutes remaining as Ludlow went for the win.

But there was no way through and both sides had to settle for a point apiece, a creditable result for Wales and enough to send the Austrians to next summer’s tournament.

Wales: O’Sullivan, Roberts, Evans, James, Ladd, Ingle, Harding, Lawrence (Rowe, 79), Green (Estcourt, 70), Fishlock, Ward

Subs not used: Skinner, Fletcher, Thomas, Davies, Jenkins