Watford-born footballer Kelly Smith played 69 minutes as Team GB’s women’s football team began their quest for a gold medal with a 1-0 victory against New Zealand.

The match was the first official event of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and it was settled when Stephanie Houghton fired home a 63rd minute free-kick.

Arsenal Ladies striker Smith, one of six Gunners players to feature, wasn’t able to find the net but will feel she should have opened her account after she had a shot blocked when through on goal.

Smith was taken off six minutes after Team GB went ahead and she will hope to get off the mark against Cameroon on Saturday in Cardiff.