6 Mar 2014

Wilkinson equaliser earns Football Ferns draw

8:25 am on 6 March 2014

The luck of the Irish did not hold out with the Football Ferns scoring late in the game against the Republic of Ireland to draw 1-1 in their opening match in the Cyprus Cup in Paralimni, Cyprus.

The game remained nil-all at half time, with both teams missing opportunities in front of goal.

It wasn't until the 64th minute when Irelands Aine O'Gorman broke the deadlock, scoring from a cross delivered by half-time substitute Siobhan Killeen.

The 16th ranked Football Ferns had a number of chances in the second half over 33rd ranked Ireland, but it wasn't until the 87th minute when Hannah Wilkinson was able to get on the end of a long ball in to the box that the Ferns were able to draw level.

New Zealand coach Tony Readings says he's happy with his team's performance but disappointed with the result.

The Football Ferns have one day to recover before they head into their next match against Switzerland on Saturday 8 March, 4.30am (NZT) at the same venue.