The New Zealand side started the brighter of the two teams, stretching their trans-Tasman rivals defence with a procession of raking cross-field balls as they looked to get their wingers in behind the Australian rear guard.
The tactic had limted success, although Amber Hearn had a good chance when she latched on to an aerial ball to volley towards goal forcing Matilda’s goalkeeper Brianna Davey to make a sprawling save.
The visitor’s best chance came in the opening quarter after a slip from Alanna Kennedy allowed Sarah Gregorious a free run on goal. The striker kept her head to dance around Davey only for the Melbourne Victory custodian to scramble back and save the resulting shot, pushing the ball round the post for a corner.
The Football Ferns would rue that miss as the Matilda’s finally settled into the game with Michelle Heyman capitalising on a defensive error to slot past Jenny Bindon in goal.
We kept the ball really well early in the game,” Football Ferns coach Tony Readings said.
“We were passing the ball well, moving it from side-to-side. We created chances but just couldn’t score when we were on top. It was encouraging that we were creating chances but just needed that extra quality in the final third.
“There were lots of positive aspects of the performance, Abby Erceg performed well in her first game as captain and Amber Hearn caused them lots of problems.”
Readings continues to look ahead to the future, with the team building towards the FIFA World Cup in 2015 and Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio.
“It was a strong performance from the team and the positive thing is that we still haven’t reached our potential,” he said.
“This was probably our best performance against Australia. We need to keep doing what we are doing and it will pay dividends.”
The Football Ferns will play their second friendly match against Australia’s Matildas on Sunday 16 June at 4pm (NZT). The match will be screened live on Sky Sport 4 (CH 54).
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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