SYDNEY- Fired up by their draw with Germany on Saturday, the New Zealand women kept an aggressive Chinese side at bay to win 2-0 on Monday, 18 September.

New Zealand scored early in both halves and managed to keep their lead throughout. Mandy SMITH’s skilled stickwork opened up the Chinese defensive wall for Kate TROLOVE to draw first blood in the 11th minute.

The Chinese were unlucky not to score especially when they did most of the attacking throughout the game.

Kiwi goalkeeper, Helen CLARKE was in top form and saved numerous shots by the industrious WANG Jiuyan and YANG Huiping.

New Zealand’s second goal came from a penalty in the 38th minute, with Tina BELL-KAKE scoring a set piece.

The win puts New Zealand in high spirits for their next match against The Netherlands on Tuesday, 19 September and leaves China fine-tuning its match strategy for its forthcoming game against Germany.