The Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side return to Wanderers Football Park to take on the Macarthur Rams in what looks to be a six-point game as we head into the back end of the season.
There comes a time in every club’s season where a game means twice as much as it usually does. This weekend is exactly that for the Wanderers.
Looking for their first win since Round 13, they take on the Rams, who sit one place below them and a mere three points behind. A loss will see the Rams go level with the Wanderers, who could potentially find themselves second last and in a potential relegation battle if a change in form cannot be found.
Their last seven games pose a tough challenge, having to play the top four and finishing the season against bottom placed Newcastle Jets. A final day showdown to maintain survival could truly be on the cards.
They come off a 1-0 defeat to UNSW, as Abbie Lemon struck from distance to give the University side their first win in three games.
The Rams fell to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Northern Tigers, following a second half three goal blitz by the Turramurra side.
The last time the two sides faced off was in Round 7, where the Wanderers walked away 3-2 winners following a late scare, with Rams’ Halle Callow scoring in added time. The win would mark the Wanderers’ last victory before going on an unwanted five game losing run.
The Key Decider: Experience
The Wanderers have welcomed the likes of Amy Chessari, Talia Younis, Amelia Bennett, Cushla Rue and Aimee Hall into the side this season. For a side who lacked experience in the early stages of the season, they now carry a group of players whose A-League presence stands tall amongst this league.
Amy Chessari, who joined the side two games ago, adds the level headedness in midfield that the side has yearned for. Time after time the Wanderers would be overrun in midfield against much stronger, experienced opponents, but as we saw against UNSW, Chessari was able to stop the traffic coming through, limiting any chances UNSW created.
Talia Younis also adds a level of security up front and in midfield, as her trickery and youthful experience tend to leave defenders in awe of her game. Since returning to the side, her ability to be in the right place at the right time has caused a multitude of issues.
More often than not, it has been a matter of not finishing our chances that has cost us, despite her great performances.
Hall, Rue and Bennett will all look to also play their part in what looks to be the Wanderers’ biggest game of the season so far.
There is plenty on the line when these two teams play on Sunday. Expect an enthralling display from both sides as they look to avoid an unwanted relegation battle.
NPL NSW Women’s Round 19
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Macarthur Rams
Sunday 20th July 5:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
