The Wanderers responded in the perfect fashion on Saturday afternoon, claiming a crucial 3-2 victory over APIA Leichhardt at Wanderers Football Park in one of the side’s biggest wins of the season.
After suffering their first defeat of the campaign last weekend, the Red and Black delivered a composed and determined performance against one of the competition’s strongest outfits, leapfrogging APIA on the ladder in the process.
The Wanderers looked positive from the opening whistle, pressing high and creating early chances through the dangerous combination of Alyssa McKenzie and Alvina Khoshaba. McKenzie consistently caused problems down the right-hand side, while the Wanderers’ defensive structure ensured APIA struggled to create clear openings in the first half.
Their strong start was rewarded just after the half-hour mark in spectacular fashion.
Mimi Zumaya produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning long-range strike from well outside the box thatflew past the goalkeeper to hand the Wanderers a deserved lead. The goal capped off an energetic first-half display from the hosts, who carried momentum into the halftime break.
APIA responded after the interval and eventually found their equaliser through a quick counterattack as the contest opened up in the second half.
Despite the setback, the Wanderers continued to play on the front foot and were rewarded again midway through the half. McKenzie delivered a dangerous curling cross into the area where Barker rose highest to head home and restore the Wanderers’ advantage.
The Red and Black pushed for breathing space in the closing stages, with Nataly going close after rattling the crossbar as the pressure mounted on APIA.
That third goal finally arrived late in the match when Zumaya once again stepped up in a decisive moment, rounding thegoalkeeper and calmly finishing for her second goal of the afternoon.
APIA managed to pull one back in stoppage time through Ashlie Letta, but the Wanderers held firm through the closing moments to secure all three points in a statement bounce-back performance.
The victory sees the Wanderers move into third place on the ladder, level on points with Bulls FC Academy, as the side continues to strengthen its Premiership credentials in a tightly contested NPL NSW Women’s season.
