Sunday’s clash at Wanderers Football Park saw the Red & Black take on Melbourne Victory in a thrilling encounter that ultimately ended 4-1 in favour to the visitors.
While the scoreboard didn’t go the Wanderers way, there were plenty of moments to celebrate and signs of progress from the Red & Black.
The Wanderers struck first in the 12th minute through Danika Matos, finishing a wonderful team move after build-up around the box saw Buchanan square the ball for the striker to tap home.
The early goal gave the Wanderers a deserved lead and set a positive tone for the opening stages.
Chances continued to flow, with Holly Caspers’ dangerous cross tipped onto the crossbar by Goalkeeper Courtney Newbon and Amy Harrison narrowly missing the target moments later.
Defensively, the team stood strong, Matos made an important header from a dangerous Victory cross, while Poppie Hooks produced a last-ditch challenge in the 35th minute to keep the visitors at bay.
Victory hit back before halftime, with Kennedy White scoring in the 41st minute and adding two more in quick succession just after the break to give Victory a 3-1 advantage.
The Wanderers kept pressing, with Ena Harada going close in the early stages of the second half and Ella Buchanan heading wide from a Harrison delivery in the 67th minute.
Debutant Sonny also impressed, nearly scoring from a Talia Younis delivery in the 79th minute, showing promise for the future.
Victory sealed the scoring in the 83rd minute with Zoe McMeekan heading in the rebound after White’s header hit the bar.
Despite the result, the Wanderers demonstrated commitment, attacking intent, and defensive resilience at key moments.
The team will look to build on these positives as they prepare for their next match against Brisbane Roar.
