Our Wander Women are back in action after their unexpected week off as they travel west to face Perth Glory.
Whilst it was a disappointment that extreme heat forced the postponement of the double header with the Melbourne Victory at CommBank Stadium last weekend, the Wanderers will be grateful for a week off, especially given the extended period of travel Geoff Abrahams’ side has had recently.
Two weeks ago they travelled to face Wellington, and with the longest away trip in the league up next, a week to refresh and get stuck in at training will no doubt be a boost to the side.
The Wanderers were unfortunate not to come away with a win in their trip to Wellington as they took the lead in the first half as Bronte Trew scored her second of the season after a mix up at the back for the Phoenix.
However, the late pressure from Wellington sadly proved too much, as they scored two quick goals as the second half wore on to secure a 2-1 win and end the Wanderers’ three match winning streak in their tracks.
Due to the fact they didn’t play last weekend, the Wanderers have now slipped back to the bottom of the table, but they can once again move off the bottom with a win in Western Australia.
The Wanderers should take confidence from their recent record in the west, being unbeaten in their last two trips to Perth.
Their 2-0 win last season was one of their most impressive, as two brilliant goals from eventual Julie Dolan Medal winner Sophie Harding helped secure the win and kickstart her fantastic run in front of goal.
Whilst she has been kept sidelined due to injury recently, she will hope to be nearing a return to the squad soon and bolster an attack that is finally nearing full fitness.
Holly Caspers has been a super sub for the side with three goals off the bench, two of them being late match winners, whilst Trew is also finding her feet after being elevated to the starting side.
Sienna Saveska will look to add to her tally of seven goals for the season as she continues to make her mark in the A-League Women’s competition this season.
The Wanderers will also take heart from their improved performances at the back, with Maddy McComasky’s return from injury being an important factor in the improvement, Perth are unbeaten in their last two matches, as they pulled off a surprise 3-0 win over 10-player Western United, before scoring a stoppage time equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Central Coast.
This run of form has moved them away from the bottom and four points ahead of the Wanderers, albeit having played a game extra.
They have a few former Wanderers in the side, with Ella Abdul-Massih and Ischia Brooking moving to Perth in the offseason.
Kellie Brown is their top scorer with five goals in just 10 matches, with Sarah O’Donoghue and Gabby Hollar also being key players in attack.
Brown was the goalscorer who broke Wanderers hearts back in December during the reverse fixture.
In a tense and tight match at Wanderers Football Park, Western Sydney thought they stole all three points after a brilliant Amy Harrison free-kick in the 85th minute.
However, a Sham Khamis foul in the box gave Perth a penalty in the fifth minute of added time, which Brown converted to earn Perth a share of the points.
The Wanderers will be desperate to avoid a repeat of that as they look to finish the season strongly.
