Football Ferns well-beaten by Matildas
- editor59343
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Football Ferns have been well-beaten in the first match of their two-game series against Australia’s Matildas at polytec Stadium in Gosford, New South Wales.
The Matildas, building towards the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, named a full-strength side winning 5-0 against New Zealand.
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Ferns head coach Michael Mayne made five changes to the team that faced the USA in October, with Anna Leat returning in goal for her first appearance since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after recovering from a long-term injury.
The Matildas took the lead in the 13th minute when midfielder Amy Sayer, picked out in space by Katrina Gorry after she won a loose clearance, slotted past the New Zealand keeper.
Ten minutes later, following a spell of New Zealand pressure, the Ferns had a strong shout for a penalty when Maya Hahn’s header back across goal struck the hand of defender Courtney Nevin, but the referee waved play on.
The Matildas doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Hayley Raso intercepted a Ferns pass at the back and fired into an empty net for 2–0, a score that remained to half-time.
With 70 minutes played, the game was still within reach for the Ferns, who had looked dangerous from set pieces, but a flurry of quick goals put the result beyond doubt.
A misplaced clearance was pounced on by Ellie Carpenter, who finished easily for 3–0.
A minute later it was four, courtesy of a stunning long-range strike from Kyra Cooney-Cross.
After the Matildas won the ball back in midfield, Cooney-Cross spotted Anna Leat off her line and took her chance from over 35 metres, lifting the ball over the keeper with a precise lob.
It was five in stoppage time as Katrina Gorry arrived unmarked to turn in a cross for her first of the match.
Despite the scoreline, Anna Leat impressed on her return and prevented a sixth goal late on when she saved a penalty from Steph Catley.
In the dying moments, the Ferns had their best opportunity of the match when substitute Gabi Rennie broke clear, but her effort was cleared off the line, denying a late consolation.
There will be plenty for the Ferns coaching staff to take from the performance as they look to respond in Tuesday’s second match in Adelaide.