Australia v New Zealand report by NZFA

Australia 0 - New Zealand 4


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."

Nadia Pearl controlled the game from midfield. 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.


written by New Zealand Football Association