The Wanderers have jumped to the top of the Westfield W-League table after a 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets at Bankwest Stadium tonight.
Matildas star Amy Harrison had the honour of scoring the W-League team’s first goal in their first game at the venue, slotting home a 58th minute spot kick after a penalty was awarded for hand ball.
The victory made it two wins from two to start the season for the Red & Black.
While it was a thin scoreline, it was yet another impressive performance following on from the 2-1 win over Adelaide United last Thursday night.
Not surprisingly, head coach Dean Heffernan wasted no time rushing international duo Lynn Williams (USA) and Denise O’Sullivan (Republic of Ireland) into the starting XI for their Wanderers debut.
And, you could see from the kick off the pair was intent to make an impact as they looked to get involved at every opportunity.
The Wanderers dominated the first half and were unlucky not to go into the break with a substantial lead.
Amy Harrison almost opened the scoring on nine minutes when she found herself free eight metres out only to see her right foot effort slam against the base of the right post and bounce out.
The shots on goal started coming thick and fast after that with US star Kristen Hamilton shooting into the side netting from a tight angle (11th minute), Williams firing her first shot straight to the keeper (16th), Kyra Cooney-Cross blasting just over the bar (22nd) and Williams putting an effort just wide of the post (20th).
Unfortunately, the game had to be delayed for 30 minutes as thunder and lightning circled the stadium after just 28 minutes.
But, the delay did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the Red & Black as they came out firing again.
Williams and Hamilton again caused problems in the attacking third.
It appeared Williams had broken the deadlock in the 31st minute when she got in behind the defence to put the ball into the net from close range, but she was ruled to be offside. Replays showed it was a legitimate goal.
Hamilton almost opened the scoring right on half time with a scorching right foot drive that forced Jets goalkeeper Claire Coelho into a superb save stretching full length to her left to batter the ball away.
But, the breakthrough finally came when they were awarded a penalty for handball. Harrison coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
