A goal from Boreham Wood-based Arsenal Ladies defender Stephanie Houghton was enough for Team GB’s women’s football team to claim a 1-0 victory against New Zealand.

The match was the first official event of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Houghton’s 63rd-minute free-kick settled the contest.

Houghton was one of six Gunners players in action throughout the game and she started alongside team-mates Alex Scott, Kim Little and Kelly Smith.

Ellen White was brought on in place of Little at half-time, and Smith was replaced in the second period by club-mate Rachel Yankey.

Fara Williams was introduced late into the contest in place of Karen Carney and Team GB were able to hang onto their lead to begin their quest for a gold medal with victory.