AUCKLAND – An historic first trans-Tasman series win continues to elude the New Zealand Secondary Schoolgirls side after two late goals from their Australian counterparts
resulted in a 2-1 defeat in the second and final match in Marconi on Wednesday.
After a drawn first match, New Zealand needed a victory on the day to wrestle the Deane Low shield off the Australians for the first time in its 16-year existence, and
Terri-Amber Carson gave them hope after 40 minutes, breaking the deadlock with her second goal in two games.
Cathy Ikokomou’s 73rd minute free kick tied the scores and with the Kiwis’ tired legs now chasing the win, Caitlin Jarvie broke their hearts five minutes later when she reacted
quickest to a defensive lapse and give the home side a lead they would hang on to for a 1-0 series victory.
New Zealand’s goal scorer and provider from the first match reprised their roles in this match with Carlson latching on to Ciara Slattery’s through ball before squeezing the ball
under the oncoming Australian keeper into the bottom corner for a deserved half time lead.
The odds may have been tipped further in New Zealand’s favour before the break but the foul on Rhonda Bridges as she broke clear only resulted in a free kick rather amdist New
Zealand claims for a penalty and red card for the infringing last defender.
With a series win in sight, coach Paul Temple was understandably disappointed after seeing it disappear.
“Gutted is probably the word I’d use,” said Temple.
“But if I‘m honest we didn’t show enough fight to get us through and the fitness wasn’t good enough towards the end of the game.”
“But there are plenty of positives to come from the tour especially in terms of development and it’s easy to lose sight amidst the disappointment that the focus is on developing
the players.”
“We’ve taken a squad with no U-17s or U20s and were twenty minutes away from a series win against the Aussies. Plus these potential international players will have learnt some
tough lessons about international football and will be better players for it.”
Australian Secondary Schoolgirls 2(Cathy Ikokomou 73, Caitlin Jarvie 78) New Zealand Secondary Schoolgirls 1 (Terri-Amber Carlson 40). Halftime 0-1
January 16, 2008
Marconi, Australia
Story courtesy of NZfootball. For more information and match details visit www.nzsoccer.com