Soccer: Herbert pleased with young All Whites

Jeremy Brockie of the All Whites tussles with a Chinese player for the ball. Photo / Getty Images

Coach Ricki Herbert was heartened with the character shown by an under-strength All Whites side to battle back from a goal down to draw 1-1 in an international soccer friendly against China in Wuhan this morning (NZT).

Midfielder Michael McGlinchey scored his first goal for New Zealand to level the scores after defender Andrew Boyens conceded an own goal in just the second minute of the match.

The match at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium was an open affair with both sides fashioning numerous chances and All Whites keeper Glen Moss made a string of quality saves to deny the hosts.

His opposite, Zeng Cheng, left the field on a stretcher in the first half and was taken to hospital in an ambulance after a heavy clash with All Whites striker Chris Wood.

Herbert, who fielded a side missing regulars Ryan Nelsen, Rory Fallon, Leo Bertos and Simon Elliott, praised the impact of young players who helped turn around the match in the second half.

"We didn't start off particularly well. It was a disappointing first half, but I'm always very positive," Herbert said. "We proved we can roll out of a tough 45 minutes and produce a competitive performance in the second half.

"I think everybody grew in the second half and I think that was really important for us we had lost what we did very well at the world cup strategically do things right. The result was a nice bonus for us and everybody who came on the pitch did themselves a favour tonight," he said.

Herbert introduced young striker Kosta Barbarouses and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Michael Boxall at halftime and also handed debuts to Melbourne-bound Marco Rojas and Michael Fitzgerald in the second half.

The All Whites suffered a nightmare start, after defender Boyens steered his attempted clearance into his own net after Moss had parried a header from China captain Du Wei.

The visitors, led by 34-year-old Ivan Vicelich in the absence of injured captain Nelsen, took time to settle into the match as the home side dominated early possession.

Impressive striker Yu Dabao struck the post before Zeng was forced off the field after colliding with Wood.

China who had failed to make the most of their early dominance were almost made to pay just before the break, but Jeremy Brockie headed straight at replacement keeper Cheng Yuelei when well placed.

The All Whites were much more impressive after the break and were rewarded when McGlinchey scored his first international goal in his eighth appearance.

Striker Chris Killen chested a ball into the path of the 24-year-old and his right-footed shot from the edge of the box gave Cheng no chance.

"I knew Killy had the ability to bring it down and when I connected with the ball I always knew it was going in," McGlinchey said, "It feels amazing. To get your first goal is something you strive to do. That was my eighth cap for the All Whites so hopefully I can kick on and get a few more goals."

The All Whites pressed further forward in the second half and striker Shane Smeltz headed over the bar and midfielder David Mulligan's drive warmed the hands of Cheng as the 56th-ranked New Zealand searched for a winner.

Killen wasted a glorious chance after being released on goal by Smeltz as his shot was pushed away by his Shenzhen Ruby teammate Cheng.

New Zealand looked the better side in the second half but almost paid for the inability to take their chances but Moss was quickly off his line twice to deny China strikers.

- NZPA