Soccer: Ferns fall to Aussies

An early goal and a late brace bookended the Football Ferns' 0-3 defeat to Asian champions Australia in Gosford on Thursday.

The home side struck in the 10th minute through Caitlin Foord and then saw off a spirited second half showing from New Zealand before sealing the match with a 20 metre screamer from Kyah Simon in the 79th minute and a third from Leena Khamis five minutes from fulltime.

"We had some good spells but Aussie were the better team, there's not much doubt in that," said New Zealand coach John Herdman.

"They are very good at showing you why they are Asian champions."

Hannah Wilkinson had a great chance to put New Zealand back on level terms 25 minutes into the match but put her shot over the bar on a day when the Matildas were more physical and showed more of a ruthless streak.

"They were very clinical. They scored two goals we could've dealt with better and one which was absolutely world class. That's our challenge and we either the wrong decision or a lack of quality lets us down. What's going to be key when we get into these games against the best sides we got into these games, score first and stay in the game."

"We had a great spell in the second half and looked like we were going to get something but the opportunities went and when they did the Aussies punished us.

"We had a very good chance to equalise early on and then a couple of half chances throughout the game but at times when got into some good positions we just took the wrong option. There are some things we can work on which will just make things tougher for Aussie on Sunday.

"On the road to the World Cup we'll take some positives out of that and three or four key learnings into the next game."

New Zealand play Australia again on Sunday and their chances would be boosted by the return of WPS Rookie of the Year Ali Riley who is still in doubt after missing Thursday's match with a hamstring strain.

On a brighter note, there were personal milestones for Katie Bowen who made her senior debut and for captain Rebecca Smith who played her 50th 'A' international.

- HERALD ONLINE