The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side were left to settle for a point on Sunday afternoon after a hard fought 0-0 draw against Gladesville Ravens at Christie Park.
Despite controlling large periods of the contest and creating the better chances throughout the 90 minutes, the Wanderers were unable to find the decisive breakthrough.
The visitors made an energetic start, with Allyssa Ng Saad immediately looking to exploit space in behind the Ravens defence before early efforts from Miriam Zumaya and Talia Younis signalled the Wanderers’ attacking intent.
As the first half progressed, the Red & Black continued to build momentum. Frida Karaberis twice tested Gladesville goalkeeper Brianna Edwards from range, while Alvina Khoshaba also forced the shot-stopper into action with a well-struck first-time effort.
The Wanderers continued to ask questions of the Ravens defence through sustained spells of possession, with Bennett and Khoshaba regularly providing dangerous deliveries into the penalty area.
At the opposite end, Annabella Keep and goalkeeper Aimee Hall remained composed whenever they were called upon, ensuring the teams went into the break level despite the Wanderers enjoying the better of the opportunities.
The second half followed a similar pattern as the Wanderers continued to press for the opening goal.
Younis, Zumaya and Ng Saad combined well in transition as the visitors looked to break the deadlock, while an outstanding defensive intervention from Bradshaw prevented Gladesville from capitalising on one of their best counter attacking opportunities.
The Wanderers continued to dominate possession and territory, with repeated efforts from outside the area keeping the Ravens pinned back.
Their closest opportunity arrived in the 76th minute when Younis was denied by the woodwork, her effort crashing against the post before bouncing away from goal with the Ravens scrambling to clear the danger.
Late chances followed through Fazzari and Keep as the Wanderers searched for a winner, but despite their persistence they were unable to find the finishing touch their performance deserved.
Although disappointed not to take all three points, the Wanderers will take confidence from another disciplined defensive display and a performance that created numerous scoring opportunities while restricting the Ravens to few clear chances.
The point keeps the Wanderers firmly focused on their push towards the NPL NSW Women’s finals series as attention now turns to next weekend’s fixture.
