The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side return to Wanderers Football Park as they look to secure their fourth win in five games against the Bulls FC Academy on Sunday Night.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side will look to add to their four-game unbeaten streak when they face the Bulls FC Academy at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday following a valiant win over Macarthur Rams on Easter Monday.
The Wanderers come into this game following a 3-2 win with a second half blitz proving enough to see off the reigning champions as the Red and Black continue to impress with their recent form.
A standout performance from Amelia Cassar, scoring a goal and adding an assist, saw her impress in midfield again in her second game running, pulling the strings behind the electric front three.
The Bulls FC side are coming off a miraculous comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against the Illawarra Stingrays after being down 3-1 with ten minutes to go. Elizabeth Grey smashed in a 94th minute corner to secure a well needed point for the Academy side.
The Key Decider: Playing to your opponent’s weakness
Despite the result, the Illawarra Stingrays consistently challenged the Bulls, finding success by playing over the top of the defence. Layla Etherington and Siobhan Edwards regularly broke through, exposing a clear vulnerability that Illawarra capitalised on multiple times.
The Wanderers have the players to trouble the Bulls’ defence in multiple ways. With the pace of Miriam Zumaya to run in behind and the technical ability of Anika Stajcic, Talia Kapetanellis, and Amelia Cassar to pass their way into dangerous areas, they pose a well-rounded attacking threat.
Ultimately, despite the young outlook of the Wanderers team, they have taken the competition by storm, and now sit four points off the table topping Mount Druitt Town Rangers.
They have overwhelmed teams with pure technical ability, but this game will be a test of whether the Red and Black side can start putting teams away early and dominate for long periods of time.
The Stingrays tried a similar approach last round but failed to capitalise on their early chances, repeatedly letting the Bulls back into the game. On paper, the Wanderers enter this clash as favourites, and their strengths are well-suited to exploit the Bulls’ vulnerabilities.
A strong start and clinical finishing in the early stages could be the key to a Wanderers victory. However, if they continue to concede late goals and allow teams back into the contest, it could cost them all three points—especially against a Bulls side capable of scoring in quick succession.
Expect an enthralling attacking game which will see two sides give it their, where a win for either side will be vital to their early season aspirations.
NPL NSW 1 Women’s Round 7
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Bulls FC Academy
Sunday 27 April, 5:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
