New Zealand's U-17 women gave the Australian U-20 team a scare before losing 2-4 in the third and final match of their Australian tour in Canberra on Sunday.
After claiming a historic 2-0 U-17 series win with successive 4-0 victories over their trans-Tasman counterparts, the Young Football Ferns briefly looked like adding an U-20 scalp when they took the lead after just 65 seconds.
Sarah McLaughlin latched on to Anna Fullerton's cross to take the lead and stun their Australian elders with the game barely a minute old.
But the Young Matildas found their feet with two Kyah Simon goals in as many minutes midway through the first spell, and scored another through Terese Polias to close out the half with a comfortable 3-1 lead.
Sarah McLaughlin got the Young Football Ferns off to a flyer. Nicola Bolger made it 4-1 ten minutes after halftime, but New Zealand finally had reward for their attacking forays eight minutes from time as Leah Gallie turned home Caitlin Campbell's shot as it slashed it's way across goal.
Disappointed with the final result, Young Football Ferns head coach was still satisfied with a tour which saw his side pick up its first two wins and score 10 goals over three matches.
"You're never happy to lose, even against an older team but we're feeling positive about the two wins and about the amount, and quality, of goals we scored," Temple said.
Templewas also buoyant about the progress of his side as they build towards the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup which New Zealand hosts in October/November.
"We've had the opportunity to have a look at some new players this week and the progress of the younger girls especially was particularly pleasing," Temple said.
"All the players will grow in confidence from the results heading into our next internationals."