The Young Matildas have secured a 0-0 draw in the second match of the two-game series against China, to conclude preparations for the AFC U20 Women’s Championship that is being held in China, starting next weekend.

Having lost the first match 1-0, the Young Matildas with an extra days rest to get over the jet-lag, put in a much improved effort and more than matched China in the second game.

Played on a bumpy and muddy pitch, neither side was able to get much rhythm into its play, although the Australians looked much sharper and looked more threatening on the Chinese goal.

Neither side created much in the way of good chances in the first half, with the best opportunities coming in the second half.

Australia’s substitute keeper Casey Dumont pushed a Chinese header onto the crossbar in the 55th minute, while another Australia sub Tameka Butt had Australia’s best chance with a powerful shot that was saved by the Chinese keeper.

In the end, neither side was able to break the deadlock and from the Young Matildas point of view, the two games gave them a solid hitout prior to the Championships, which start in Chongqing on October 6. Australia’s first match is against Japan.