The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s conceded a heartbreaking goal in the dying moments of the game as they drew 1-1 to Manly United at Cromer Park.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side were moments away from a famous away win, as an Ellie Kerr goal in added time denied the Wanderers all three points in what was an exciting clash.
The Wanderers welcomed back Aimee Hall between the sticks, as the goalkeeper made her return to the side for the first time since her A-League debut. The Wanderers understood the task from the first whistle: endure a physical battle and you’ll have every chance of taking home all three points—and they showed that immediately.
The first twenty minutes were all Red and Black, as they dominated possession, and the experience of Younis and Bennett proved vital, with the talented duo continuing to threaten the Manly defence through their movement in midfield.
Miriam Zumaya’s dangerous crosses continued to trouble the opposition, as Alyssa McKenzie and Anika Stajcic both came within inches of getting on the end of the whipped deliveries in the opening stages of the game.
Manly’s best attempt came just before the interval, as Chelsea Barton turned the ball over in midfield. Manly had the numbers advantage but failed to trouble Hall with their attempt on goal.
Following half-time, possession evened out as Manly’s urgency increased after a disappointing first half from the team in third place.
Hall was forced into a few saves, as the keeper denied Manly their opener. That was until Alvina Khoshaba found Talia Younis with a fantastic through ball to put the Wanderers in front with half an hour left to play.
The Wanderers began to control the game following the opener, and although there weren’t many opportunities that arose from their dominance in possession, it showed a maturity in the side that had been lacking in the early stages of the season.
Hall made another fantastic save to deny what looked like a guaranteed goal to Emily Minett, but it was unfortunately followed by Manly’s Kerr, who struck a volley from outside the box to equalise in the dying moments.
The draw sees the Wanderers edge closer to the finals positions, but overall it showed a new maturity in the side’s game management against a more experienced, seasoned opponent.
The Red and Black travel to Peter Moore on Sunday to take on the high-flying Sydney Olympic in what shapes to be one of the games of the round.
