New Zealand’s U-17 women gave the Australian U-20 team a scare before losing 2-4 in the third and final match of their Australian tour in Canberra on Sunday.

After claiming a historic 2-0 U-17 series win with successive 4-0 victories over their trans-Tasman counterparts, the Young Football Ferns briefly looked like adding an U-20 scalp when they took the lead after just 65 seconds.

Sarah McLaughlin latched on to Anna Fullerton’s cross to take the lead and stun their Australian elders with the game barely a minute old.

But the Young Matildas found their feet with two Kyah Simon goals in as many minutes midway through the first spell, and scored another through Terese Polias to close out the half with a comfortable 3-1 lead.

Nicola Bolger made it 4-1 ten minutes after halftime, but New Zealand finally had reward for their attacking forays eight minutes from time as Leah Gallie turned home Caitlin Campbell’s shot as it slashed it’s way across goal.

Disappointed with the final result, Young Football Ferns head coach was still satisfied with a tour which saw his side pick up its first two wins and score 10 goals over three matches.

“You’re never happy to lose, even against an older team but we’re feeling positive about the two wins and about the amount, and quality, of goals we scored,” Temple said.

Templewas also buoyant about the progress of his side as they build towards the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup which New Zealand hosts in October/November.

“We’ve had the opportunity to have a look at some new players this week and the progress of the younger girls especially was particularly pleasing,” Temple said.

“All the players will grow in confidence from the results heading into our next internationals.”

Age Grade Women’s Football International
April 20
Canberra

New ZealandU-17 2 (Sarah McLaughlin 2, Leah Gallie 82) AustraliaU-20 4 (Kyah Simon 22, 23, Terese Polias 44, Nicola Bolger 55)

New Zealand: Charlotte Wood (GK), Caitlin Campbell, Briony Fisher (Captain), Yumi Nguyen, Anna Fullerton (Megan Shea 25), Katie Bowen (Sarah McLaughlin 70), Leah Gallie (Jodi Curtis 82), Nadia Pearl, Claudia Crasborn (Emily Cooper 70) Sarah McLaughlin (Lauren Murray 55), Hannah Wall.
Substitutes not used: Victoria Esson (RGK), Elise Mamanu-Gray, Kate Loye.
Head Coach: Paul Temple

story courtesy of NZF Media. For full match details visit www.nzsoccer.com

New Zealand’s U-17 women footballers broke new ground in Canberra on Thursday, clinching a series win over Australia with a second 4-0 demolition in three days.

Backing up Tuesday’s victory by the same scoreline – the biggest win by New Zealand over Australia at any level – the Young Football Ferns became the first kiwi women to win back-to-back trans-Tasman matches on Australian soil, with head coach Paul Temple delighted for his young side.

“It’s great to be the ones who set a bit of history,” Temple said.

“The girls take a lot of pride in these results and the fact that all the hard work put in over the last few months is paying off.”

“The team wanted to send a message out that they can really play – that they can beat sides – so they deserve everything they’ve got.”

All four goals came in a first half onslaught with striking pair Lauren Murray and Sarah McLaughlin each grabbing a double.

“The game was a lot tougher today,” admitted Temple, “but the difference was our finishing was exceptionally clinical.”

“We didn’t get as many chances as the first game, but still scored some great goals. Any side around the world would be happy with those.”

“Our team needs to be clinical because we’re not going to get many chances against the big teams in the World Cup so we need to take what we get – like we did today.”

Murray got New Zealand off to a flyer directing her eight yard header into the bottom corner in the third minute, and rounded off the scoring five minutes before half-time after latching on to a defence-splitting Nadia Pearl through ball.

In between, McLaughlin also netted twice, first with a powerful far post from Megan Shea’s 23rd minute free kick, and then applying the finishing touch to a counter-attack started by player of the match Nadia Pearl.

“Nadia was fantastic on Tuesday and outstanding today with the way she controlled the game from midfield,” Temple said. “She’s really embraced the vice-captaincy role on and off the field.”

The three match Australian tour – part of New Zealand’s preparations to host the October/November FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – concludes with a match against the Australian U-20s on Sunday.

U-17 Women’s Football International

April 17

Canberra

New Zealand 4 (Lauren Murray 3/40, Sarah McLaughlin 23/33) Australia 0

New Zealand: Victoria Esson (RGK), Caitlin Campbell (Anna Fullerton 46), Briony Fisher (Captain), Jodi Curtis, Megan Shea, Elise Mamanu-Gray (Katie Bowen 53), Emily Cooper (Kate Loye 58), Nadia Pearl, Claudia Crassborn, Lauren Murray, Sarah McLaughlin (Hannah Wall 69)

Substitutes not used: Charlotte Wood (RGK), Yumi Nguyen, Leah Gallie

Head Coach: Paul Temple

Story provided by NZF media. For full story and match details visit www.nzsoccer.com