Wellington began life as an A-League Women’s side in encouraging fashion as their young outfit battled to a 0-0 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers in their season opener.
After kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes due to thunderstorms surrounding Wollongong’s WIN Stadium, the Phoenix gave a good account of themselves in an end-to-end encounter.
While the Phoenix, who had eight 18-year-olds in their starting side, failed to score, there were plenty of positives in their maiden outing against a much-fancied Wanderers team.
Things could have been vastly different when Western Sydney’s Bianca Gallic fed Sheridan Gallagher through the middle of the Phoenix defence in the 12th minute.
The forward turned and bore down on goal but was only able to hit the crossbar from the edge of the box.
That was to be the sole flashpoint in the first half as the Wanderers enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but were unable to turn their dominance into goals.
Their end product was lacking and when the Phoenix opted to press, Western Sydney often squandered possession or were forced to go long.
The Phoenix were well organised and defended smartly in the opening 45 minutes, with Grace Jale the spark for Gemma Lewis’ side.
Wellington, though, showed no signs of relenting in their spirited start as Zoe McMeeken’s whipped cross just after the half-time break found Chloe Knott, who was unable to test Wanderers keeper Sarah Langman.
Western Sydney responded with Gallagher setting up Erica Halloway after some smart play at the byline but Lily Alfeld was on hand to deny the Wanderers forward.
As the game wore on, the younger Phoenix outfit seemed to tire, with Jale taken off with a half an hour left to play and McMeeken treated for cramp.
Rosie Galea had a chance in the 85th minute to snatch a winner for the Wanderers but all she could do was fire her effort into the side netting.
Wanderers coach Catherine Cannuli was booked in the dying stages of injury time for leaving her technical area and touching a live ball.
