Football: Trans-tasman hex continues for Ferns

For the Football Ferns a remarkable trans-tasman hex continued tonight in Auckland.
The New Zealand side lost 3-2 to Australia in the final international tri-series match, unable to break a victory drought that now dates backs more than 20 years.

The Ferns trailed 0-3 at half-time, before a Sarah Gregorius brace brought them back into the match and set up a thrilling finish at Bill McKinlay Park.

After a nervy, disjointed first half display where they were physically dominated and struggled to keep possession, New Zealand came back into the game well in the second period but it wasn't enough.

Tony Reading's side have made great strides in recent years, recording their first win at a Women's World Cup match and also achieving victories over the likes of Brazil, China and Holland.

But the Matildas have always provoked a sense of Advanced Australian Fear; New Zealand's last victory over Australia came in 1994.

After that there was a streak of 21 consecutive defeats, before some pride was restored with 1-1 draws in 2012 and 2013.

Australia, ranked eight places higher than the Ferns, took the early initiative with a fabulous 35 yard strike from midfielder Emily Van-Egmond in the ninth minute. That wonder goal seemed to deflate the Ferns, who conceded a soft strike to Michelle Hayman just three minutes later.

The Ferns rallied to produce some half chances before Caitlin Ford made it 3-0 after 29 minutes.

The home side came back into the game through substitute Sarah Gregorius, the Japan based striker rising well at the far post to head home in a crowded area in the 57th minute.

Gregorius then showed great instinct to stab home in the 83rd minute, setting up a grandstand finish.

Australia 3
New Zealand 2
Half-time: 3-0.