The Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side return to Wanderers Football Park on Sunday afternoon as they take on Mount Druitt Town Rangers in a blockbuster local derby.
Following an entertaining eight-goal draw with NWS Spirit, the Wanderers will be aiming to snap a ten-match winless streak when they host finals-bound Mount Druitt in a local derby at Rooty Hill on Sunday.
Mount Druitt are coming off a narrow 3-2 defeat to UNSW but remain within striking distance of first place, with a game in hand still to play. Sitting just three points off the top and boasting a strong goal difference, they could yet reclaim the league’s summit after dominating the early stages of the season.
However, with only two wins in their last five matches, questions have emerged over whether the side may be starting to lose momentum.
The last time the two sides faced off, the Wanderers saw their early goal returned by five unanswered goals as the Rangers stormed home with a 5-1 win over their local rival. Leena Khamis proved too wise for her opposition defence as her experience prevailed on the day with a brace.
The Key Decider: Resistance
The Wanderers have been involved in two high-scoring thrillers in the past month, raising questions over their defensive resilience ahead of this clash. In both encounters, against the Macarthur Rams and NWS Spirit, they netted four goals and held the lead, only to see their advantage slip away and finish with less than the maximum reward.
The Wanderers will be aiming to tighten their defensive structure against a side renowned for capitalising on any lapse at the back. Mount Druitt’s attacking duo, Leena Khamis and Rosalina Galea, have combined for an impressive 21 goals this season and will be looking to maintain their prolific form as they prepare for another finals campaign.
If the Wanderers are to play with the same attacking flair we have seen over the last month, they will likely trouble this Rangers outfit, although a lack of clinical shooting could be fatal as the Rangers are notoriously known for punishing sides who fail to capitalise on their chances.
Expect an enthralling game between two sides who look to finish the season on a positive note regardless of their post season aspirations.
NPL Women’s Round 24
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Mount Druitt Town Rangers
Sunday 17th August 5:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
