Speedy striker Katie Rood has joined the Football Ferns in Australia for the Cup of Nations in high confidence after an outstanding performance for Lewes in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old is on loan at the FA Women’s Championship club from top-flight Bristol City and was the star of the show as her new side got back to winning ways after a barren run.

Lewes had not scored for seven games but Rood helped put that right by setting up a goal and getting on the scoresheet herself late on with a penalty.

With her side 1-0 up, Rood embarked on a mesmerising run down the left and cut the ball back for Jess King to slam home, putting Lewes on course for their fourth win of the campaign.

The official match report on the FA website was glowing in its praise of Rood’s performance, stating:

“Katie Rood was the player of the match and her excellent build-up play put the ball on the plate for Jess King who rifled home the all-important second goal for Lewes.

“The only thing missing from Rood’s performance was a goal and she finally got on the scoresheet with five minutes remaining. After being brought down in the box she stepped up and slotted the resulting penalty, cool as a cucumber, to cap off a perfect night for the visitors.”

Wood’s goal-scoring streak continues

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has hailed his strike duo of All White Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes after the pair both scored in a shock 2-1 win over high-flying Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.

Wood put Burnley in front with a 57^th-minute header for his sixth goal in eight league games and then Barnes grabbed the winner with his fourth strike in as many games.

“I thought our front two were outstanding,” Dyche said.

“Of course the goals are great and important but it is their team play, the energy, the desire, the hardiness you need to be a centre forward. They are definitely getting their rewards.”

Wood and Barnes – who first played together eight years ago at Brighton – are now engaged in a friendly battle to become Burnley’s top scorer with the big Kiwi on 10 and his partner one goal behind.

“I’m pleased with double figures and hopefully there’s a lot more to come before the end of the season,” Wood said.

“I’m sure Barnesy and I will be looking to get as many as we can. We have a good relationship together at the moment and long may it continue. We are on a good run and we feel we can beat anybody on our day.”

Unfortunately for Wood and his Burnley team mates, their unbeaten run of eight games came to an end this morning with a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United. 

Reid returns to training with West Ham

All Whites fans have received some welcome news with the sight of defender Winston Reid back on the training ground for West Ham United.

Reid has spent a year on the sidelines battling knee injuries but finally returned to training this week and was all smiles as the club photographer snapped him in action.

The 30-year-old has not played since last March and had knee surgery but suffered a setback when he first returned to training at the Hammers’ pre-season camp in Switzerland.

Reid is one of the West Ham’s longest-serving players, having joined the Premier League outfit in 2010 after starring for the All Whites at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

He has a special place in the hearts of Hammers’ fans after scoring the club’s last ever goal at their former Upton Park home in a 3-2 win over Manchester United in May of 2016.

Reid has spoken of his frustration at being out of action but is using his experience to help him through the process.

“Obviously, it is frustrating to be out for long periods of time but you have to get through it and you have to deal with it,” he said last October.

“Fortunately enough, I am a little bit older and I am probably able to deal with it better with an injury like this than if I was in my early twenties and in the early part of my career.”

Tzanev signs new contract at Wimbledon

Young All Whites goalkeeper Nik Tzanev has taken an important step in his burgeoning career by signing a new contract with English League One club AFC Wimbledon.

The former New Zealand U-20 international is part of the development squad at the Dons but has been involved with the first team as a substitute.

He has made one appearance for the All Whites – keeping a clean sheet on debut in a 1-0 win over Chinese Taipei last June – and is currently gained valuable experience on loan at non-league outfit Potters Bar Town.

“Every upward step we have put him on he has taken it in his stride,” Wimbledon development coach Alan Reeves said.

"He’s on loan at the moment and they are really pleased with him. They have extended his loan but we’ve got a call back on him if need be,” he added.

“Nik has all the attributes to be an excellent goalkeeper. Mentally there was a question mark but at Potters Bar he has stepped up and played men’s football. Every step you make on that ladder you are asked more and more questions. You have to answer those questions, otherwise you fall back down a level.”

Mata joins professional ranks in Switzerland

The ever-growing ranks of young Kiwi professionals has been added to with New Zealand U-20 star Max Mata signing his first contract at Swiss giants Grasshopper Club Zürich.

A graduate of the Wellington Phoenix Soccer School, Mata played a key role as Auckland-based club Onehunga Sports won a historic league and ISPS Handa Chatham Cup double in 2017 and helped his country qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup last August.

The 18-year-old is delighted to have put pen to paper with Grasshopper – for whom All Whites legend Wynton Rufer played early in his career – and can’t wait to look to make his mark.

“The feeling is a mix of emotions but mainly excitement,” he said.

“I am happy to finally be starting my footballing career. I am living my dream job and it makes me feel proud of my family name and where I have come from.”

The striker impressed on trial in Switzerland and puts his success down to determination.

“I feel I’m settling in well but I think a lot of that has to do with the attitude I came here with. I was determined that I was going to show everybody here that just because I come from New Zealand it doesn’t mean I won’t be on the pitch ahead of them and I think about that every day.”

Article added: Wednesday 27 February 2019