Wales fell short in a spirited comeback against France in their Womens' World Cup qualifying match at Parc y Scarlets.
Goals from Wendie Renard and Marie-Antoinette Katoto had put France in control after an hour - with a scoreline that arguably belied the home side's efforts.
However, Sophie Ingle's strike offered Gemma Grainger's side hope of a comeback but it wasn't to be. All isn't lost, of course, with Wales well-placed to finish second and secure a play-off spot.
Despite being third in the world, France did look a little vulnerable defensively throughout - with Wales managing to carve out the odd half-chance in the opening half hour to counter the away side's own efforts.
18-year-old Carrie Jones, who shone against one of the game's most decorated defenders in Renard, created an opening of her own when she cut in from the left after 20 minutes, but the mid Walian was unable to convert from a tight angle.
Ultimately, the fact that France's goals were as much about Welsh flaws as they were French flair will be a source of frustration for Grainger.
On the half-hour mark, Sandie Toletti was able to float a corner to the unmarked Renard - who was handed the freedom of Llanelli to head past Laura O'Sullivan.
France doubled their lead just before the hour, after O'Sullivan dithered on the ball outside her area, allowing Katoto to charge down her clearance and tap into an empty net.
That might have been the killer blow, but Wales didn't give in and got their reward with 20 minutes left.
A Welsh corner wasn't cleared properly, with the ball falling as far as Ingle on the edge of the box. Her deflected strike ended up in the back of the net and suddenly Wales were back in it.
Just a matter of moments later, they thought they had levelled - however, Gemma Evans was in an offside position when she she nodded in Natasha Harding's hook back into the box.
Wales continued to create openings as the away side simply sought to hold on, but even the introduction of Helen Ward for her 100th cap couldn't help them find an equaliser.
