Matildas 2 New Zealand 0

Canberrans played key roles in Australia's 2-0 win over New Zealand yesterday.

Lydia Williams in goal, Caitlin Munoz upfront and Sally Shipard in defence for the first time all played their part. Amy Chapman also came on as sub in the 60th minute.

Full FFA reprot below

The Matildas scored a solid 2-0 win over New Zealand today at Stockland Park on the Sunshine Coast in the team's first outing since last year's quarter final appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

A goal in each half ensured victory for the home side in the first of a three-match series of international friendly matches, with the win extending Australia's unbeaten streak against the Kiwis to 12 matches dating back to 1994.

Striker Sarah Walsh celebrating her 50th cap by scoring the game's opener on 16 minutes after pouncing on an errant pass from the goalkeeper to finish clinically from the edge of the box.

Midfielder Joanne Burgess then doubled the advantage nine minutes after the interval with a firm drive from 20 metres.

Australia carved out a number of goalscoring opportunities while at the other end of the field Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams was rarely troubled.

Matildas midfielder Heather Garriock came closest to extending the lead only to see a shot cleared off the line moments before half time and then a second half header crash against the crossbar.

Coach Tom Sermanni is missing several members of last year's World Cup squad for the series with Lisa De Vanna was a late withdrawal from today's match with a hamstring complaint, however the enigmatic striker is considered likely to be available for the next match on Monday.
“I’m pleased with result considering the adjustments we had to make to our team,” Sermanni said.

“We are missing several regular and experienced players and it was our first competitive match since the World Cup.
“It was always going to be difficult against a well organised and focused New Zealand team, who have made considerable improvement since we last met in July last year.”

Australia will meet New Zealand again on Monday, and then in the final match of the series on Wednesday.
Match Details:
Australia 2 (Sarah Walsh 16’, Joanne Burgess 54’)
New Zealand 0

Matildas line-up: Lydia Williams (gk); Clare Polkinghorne, Karla Reuter (Lyndsay Glohe 63’), Cheryl Salisbury, Amber Neilson, Heather Garriock, Caitlin Munoz, Sarah Walsh, Collette McCallum, Sally Shipard, Joanne Burgess (Amy Chapman 60’)
Substitutes not used: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Victoria Balomenos, Kate Gill, Tameka Butt, Elise Kellond-Knight, Renee Rollason

Cautions: Garriock 58’

New Zealand: Jenny Bindon (gk); Ria Percival, Abby Erceg, Maia Jackman, Ali Riley, Simone Ferrara (Annalie Longo 65), Hayley Moorwood (Captain), Emily McColl, Kirsty Yallop (Emma Kete 75), Renee Leota (Wendi Henderson 86), Merissa Smith.
Substitutes not used: Rachel Howard (gk), Hannah Bromley.


The Matildas squad for the three-match series against New Zealand on the Sunshine Coast is:

Goalkeepers – Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lydia Williams (Canberra)

Defenders – Lyndsay Glohe (Sydney), Karla Reuter (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane)

Midfielders – Tameka Butt (Gold Coast), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Elise Kellond-Knight (Brisbane), Collette McCallum (Perth), Amber Neilson (Newcastle), Renee Rollason (Sydney), Sally Shipard (Brisbane)

Forwards – Victoria Balomenos (Adelaide), Joanne Burgess (Brisbane), Amy Chapman (Canberra), Lisa De Vanna (Perth), Kate Gill (Newcastle), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Sarah Walsh (Sydney)
(current home city)


Fixtures:
Australia v New Zealand
Saturday 1 March, 3.30pm

Australia v New Zealand
Monday 3 March, 3.30pm

Australia v New Zealand
Wednesday 5 March, 3.30pm

All matches at Stockland Park, Sunshine Coast (320 Nicklin Way, Bokarina)
Entry to the matches is free.