The Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side travel to Christie Park to take on the Gladesville Ravens on Sunday, as the two sides look to create separation from one another on the table.
The Wanderers come into this game following a hard-fought draw against the Illawarra Stingrays. The Academy side played out a 1-1 result that featured an Alvina Khoshaba free-kick, an Aimee Hall penalty save, and countless near misses in what was a frantic, end-to-end contest at Wanderers Football Park.
The Ravens added to Macarthur Rams’ misery with a commanding 4-0 win, highlighted by a hat-trick from Allyssa Ng Saad, capping off a dominant performance from the Gladesville side.
Saad and Croatian international Bianca Galic have combined for six goals across the past two matches, as the side begins to mount a late-season resurgence.
The additions of Galic, Wanderers goalkeeper Sham Khamis, and A-League Women’s champion Taren King have helped transform the Ravens into a formidable force. The experience they bring has played a key role in closing the gap to just one point behind the Wanderers on the table.
The sides last met in Round 4 of the competition, where the Wanderers claimed a 2-1 victory over the Ravens. They limited Gladesville to few opportunities, and a consolation goal in added time wasn’t enough to deny the Wanderers all three points.
Key Decider: Bianca Galic v Millie Bennett
Croatian international, A-League champion, and a natural leader, Galic has certainly taken the footballing scene by storm over the past 12 months. Her addition to the Gladesville side has brought a level of ruthlessness to the team’s attacking game. Alongside the stability provided by King and Khamis at the back, Galic has been given the trust and freedom to hone her craft in the attacking third.
Galic is the modern midfielder, who is able to operate deep in midfield, provide defensive support but also support the attack by getting on the scoresheet, and this will provide an interesting battle for Millie Bennet, who will likely be tasked with marking the Croatian International.
Bennett has been a welcome addition to the Wanderers side. The teenager has played a calming role in defensive midfield, acting both as a protector and as an instigator of attacks in recent weeks. However, her biggest test may lie ahead, with Galic expected to bring intensity and physicality to the contest. If given the freedom to operate on her terms, Galic could pose serious problems for the Wanderers’ defence.
Expect an exciting clash between two evenly matched sides. A win for either team could leave the other behind on the table, and potentially mark the beginning of a meteoric rise up the standings.
NPL NSW Women’s Round 17
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Gladesville Ravens FC
Sunday 29th of June, 5:00pm
Christie Park
