The Wander Women head into tonight’s Sydney Derby with momentum building, belief strengthening, and a clear sense of identity beginning to take shape.
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Last weekend’s 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners was more than just three points for the Ninja A-League side. It marked a reward for persistence, resilience, and a group that has stayed connected through a challenging stretch of the season.
Now, with Allianz Stadium awaiting and Derby stakes firmly in focus, the Wanderers arrive determined to back it up.
Head Coach Geoff Abrahams was pleased with both the result and the manner in which his side earned it, pointing to a performance that reflected growth across several areas of the pitch.
“Really happy to get the points. It was a great performance,” Abrahams said.
“I think three or four weeks ago we really hit rock bottom, and I don’t think we were playing well. Those tough times can really define a team. For us, winning in a good way and seeing the girls work so hard for each other, never giving up on each other and never giving up on the process, that’s really pleasing.”
The victory against the Mariners showcased a more balanced Wanderers outfit, one capable of staying defensively strong while still playing with intent and purpose in possession.
It was a performance built on effort and cohesion, with the squad’s commitment to the collective again on display.
“I’m really proud of them,” Abrahams continued.
“The football was good. I think we found a good balance of being defensively strong and playing some good football as well. There were a lot of positives to take, but now we’ve got to move on from that and start getting back-to-back wins.”
A standout moment on the night came through Holly Caspers, who found the back of the net and was rewarded for her relentless work rate and impact in the final third. Abrahams highlighted her contribution as emblematic of the standards the group continues to drive.
“It was awesome. I’m really happy for her,” he said.
“She’s worked hard constantly. She’s an absolute nightmare for defenders. We’ve spoken this season about getting outcomes with Holly, and she’s taken that on board and just kept working hard.”
With confidence building and belief reinforced, attention now turns to the Sydney Derby, a fixture that carries weight well beyond the ladder.
For Abrahams, the focus is on consistency, clarity, and ensuring the Wanderers bring the same edge and discipline that underpinned last week’s result.
“I think there’s been a big shift in the football we’ve played, the defensive determination we’ve created,” he said.
“We’ve shown we’re a team that fights and competes, as well as having some nice footballers. It’s about focusing on roles and responsibilities, the same as last week. If we do that, score goals when we’re on top, hopefully we’re getting three points again.”
Tonight’s Derby presents another opportunity for the Red & Black to underline their progress, test themselves against their biggest rivals, and continue building momentum as the season unfolds.
All eyes turn now to Allianz Stadium.
