Young Matildas growing in confidence

The Westfield Young Matildas have played out a 0-0 draw against the Junior Football Ferns in the final match of their New Zealand tour.

The Westfield Young Matildas have played out a 0-0 draw against the Junior Football Ferns in the final match of their New Zealand tour. The result meaning the sides square the series, although the Young Matildas first up loss was not considered an official match.

Head Coach Spencer Prior was pleased with his team-s overall effort, considering they had to back up after playing 48-hours earlier. They also had to contend with a change in surface, with the match being played on synthetic turf to mirror the upcoming Women-s U/20 World Cup in Canada.

“I-m so proud of all the players,” said Prior. “On the back on the 4-0 result we knew they would up the anti and give us a tougher game.

“There were a lot of fatigued legs out there but it gives us a good foundation to build on. The busy schedule, being away, meant we were able to get into tournament mode which was a really positive experience for us.”

Prior was also impressed that his side was able to keep a clean sheet for the second consecutive match, against a side that boasted three players from the Silver Fern-s national team.

“They had three players from the side that took on the Matildas last month, so to keep them scoreless again bodes well for the future.

“I couldn't single out any individual effort, as it would detract from what was a thoroughly strong team performance.”

The Westfield Matildas will also welcome back some players from injury as they build towards their World Cup qualifiers in China in October.

Next stop for the Women-s U/20 national side will be Myanmar in September, where they will compete in the AFF Championships. The Young Matildas set to come up against the senior Thailand and Vietnam side as well as Japan-s U/23 side as they gear up for their World Cup qualification campaign.