The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side produced a dominant display to defeat the Newcastle Jets 5-0, snapping a five-game losing streak in what could be a turning point in their season.
Two goals each from Miriam Zumaya and Amy Barker, along with a late strike from Olivia Vanderlaan, sealed a statement win against a struggling Jets side that had conceded seven goals earlier in the week to a resurgent Sydney Olympic.
A-League stars Talia Younis and Milly Bennett returned to the lineup and made an immediate impact, injecting much-needed composure and confidence into the side.
Younis nearly created the opener early, delivering a pinpoint cross to Anika Stajcic, whose header went just wide. Moments later, Bennett picked out Zumaya with a sweeping switch of play, sending her through one-on-one to calmly finish and open the scoring.
The second goal came soon after, when a cross from Nada caused confusion in the box. The Jets goalkeeper spilled the ball, allowing Zumaya to pounce and score her second inside 20 minutes.
Stajcic came close to adding a third before halftime, striking the post after breaking through the defence. The Wanderers entered the break firmly in control with a two-goal cushion.
Barker extended the lead early in the second half, capitalising on an error from the Jets’ goalkeeper with a composed finish. Younis nearly added a fourth but was denied by a sharp save. However, she made up for it moments later, delivering a well-placed corner that Barker converted for her second of the night.
The fifth and final goal came through Vanderlaan, who finished neatly at the near post after a slick build-up involving Barker and Christa Oliva.
The result sees the Wanderers move back within six points of the finals places, and with momentum on their side, they’ll be looking to carry that form into Sunday’s crucial clash with Manly United. If they are to push for a spot in the finals, taking points off teams ahead of them begins now
