The Football Ferns lost 2-0 to Scotland in an international friendly in wet conditions this morning (NZT) in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.
The Ferns, who were playing under Head Coach Andreas Heraf for the first time since he was appointed in December, went behind in the first half when Jane Ross opened the scoring for Scotland and a defensive error from the Ferns late in the second half saw Lisa Evans put the game to bed.
Scotland, who opened 2018 with a draw with Russia (0-0) and a loss to Norway (3-0) in January, got back to winning ways after they recorded five international wins in 2017.
It was a physical contest with Scotland, who defeated New Zealand 3-2 this time last year at the Cyprus Cup, having the better of the first half chances.
The experienced forward Ross, playing in her 111th A International for Scotland, scored her 54th goal for the national team when she hit a powerful shot which Football Ferns keeper Erin Nayler saved but Ross was quick on the follow up to find the back of the net.