Western Sydney Wanderers shared the points with Brisbane Roar in a 1-1 draw at Wanderers Football Park on Friday night, with a late goal from Ella Buchanan rewarding a strong second-half push from the Red & Black.
The visitors threatened early, but Wanderers goalkeeper Sham Khamis was equal to the task inside the opening minutes, producing a flying save to deny Aimee Medwin.
Khamis remained busy throughout the first half and was again called into action midway through the period, diving low to her left to keep out Leia Varley’s header at the back post.
A stop-start opening half, disrupted by several injury delays, prevented either side from finding rhythm, with chances at a premium as the match headed into the break scoreless.
Western Sydney emerged with greater intent after half-time and quickly applied pressure, earning consecutive corners.
From the second, Poppie Hooks connected well with a header, though Brisbane goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln gathered comfortably.
The Wanderers continued to threaten through Danika Matos, whose effort from inside the box was struck cleanly but straight at Lincoln.
Brisbane responded through Woods with a long-range effort, but Khamis was again alert, getting down well to make another sharp save.
At the other end, Hooks went close with a half-volley from distance that drifted narrowly wide, while Matos later rose well but was unable to direct her header on target.
The breakthrough finally came in the 83rd minute, with the Wanderers’ substitutes combining to decisive effect.
Sony fired a driven ball across the face of goal and Ella Buchanan arrived at the right moment to convert from close range, sending the home crowd into celebration.
The closing stages were tense, and the night ended on a concerning note as Chloe Berryhill was stretchered from the field in stoppage time following a heavy challenge.
The draw sees the Wanderers take another positive step forward, underlined by their resilience, second-half control and ability to find a late response in front of their home members and fans.
