The Ford Football Ferns have won the second of their two matches in southern Spain against Venezuela, defeating the South Americans 2–1 and bouncing back from defeat in the first game.

After a feeling among the team that they hadn’t delivered the performance they wanted in the opening match, the Ferns started strongly at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras.

Early pressure saw the Ferns awarded a penalty in the 12th minute, but Katie Kitching’s effort rebounded off the post.

In the 42nd minute, it was Venezuela who opened the scoring.

Ferns goalkeeper Vic Esson got a glove to a long-range effort, but the rebound fell to former Wellington Phoenix forward Mariana Speckmaier, who slotted in from close range.

Despite the setback, the Ferns continued to push in their 3-5-2 formation and were level within five minutes.

Starting from the centre-backs, the team passed their way through the Venezuelan lines, ending with Kellie Brown picking out Milly Clegg for a composed finish on the eve of half-time.

The second half saw both sides pushing for a winner, but it was the Ferns who made the breakthrough.

In the 72nd minute, Manaia Elliott skilfully powered her way past the Venezuelan left-back and picked out Jacqui Hand to fire home the winner.
 

Article added: Wednesday 04 June 2025