The women's first team were beaten 3-0 by Eastern Suburbs at Bledisloe Park on Sunday.

The young Suburbs side, which included several Auckland Football Federation age-group representatives, were a touch sharper and faster in most departments but the home side battled gamely for the entire 90 minutes.

The Maroons created several good scoring chances of their own in the second spell but were frustrated by some determined scrambling defense from the visitors.

Suburbs opened the scoring mid-way through the first half after the Maroons turned over possession trying to play out from the back. An errant pass went straight to 2007 Auckland Under-14 rep Brittany Dudley Smith who was good enough to send her shot over goalkeeper Catriona Bennett from just outside the area.

The second goal came mid-way through the second half in similar fashion as the ladies took a wrong option again as they tried to play out to feet from the back and three Suburbs passes later, the ball was in the back of the net.

Suburbs added a neat third goal to complete the scoring on the day.

Despite conceding the two of the three goals because of the style they are asked to play, the ladies can hold their heads high for sticking to their guns rather than resorting to the big hoof.

The match showed that there are several things the team must improve on to consistently threaten the top sides in this higher division but it's pleasing to see the ladies learning each week what is required.

This Sunday's match-up is against second placed Western Springs at Seddon Fields at 11am.

Details:

Pukekohe 0-3 Eastern Suburbs

Pukekohe: Catriona Bennett, Donna Withers, Lana Morris, Tania Shaw (Sarah Wild 35'), Karla Shearer (Sonja Abbott 65'), Kelly Wisnewski, Leanne Dodd (capt), Sarah Holmes, Nicole Kraakman, Emma McCrory, Nicola Birch.