Western Sydney Wanderers extended their unbeaten Liberty A-League run to four games in a 0-0 draw with Melbourne Victory at Wanderers Football Park on Wednesday evening.
Kat Smith’s Wanderers came into the midweek contest off the back of successive wins over Melbourne City and Western United, but were denied three consecutive wins by a Victory outfit which has now drawn three games on the bounce, a run which is leaving the champions’ position in the top four at risk.
The Wanderers improved their points tally to eight for the season, moving to within a win of sixth-placed Canberra United but remaining seven points shy of Victory who occupy fourth spot at the midway point of the Liberty A-League season.
Victory had the best of the early chances on the road, with Danish forward Rikke Madsen hitting the foot of the post with a first-time strike off Natalie Tathem’s dangerous cross off the left flank just prior to the half-hour mark.
Teenage Victory midfielder Alana Murphy was a key presence for Victory through the first half, helping the visitors boss the midfield battle early doors and threatening in attack through a series of corner deliveries.
The Wanderers gained a foothold in the contest before the break, and came out the other side of half-time causing problems for the Victory defence. In-form Wanderers striker Sarina Bolden put Victory goalkeeper Casey Dumont to the test late in the piece with a strike from a tight angle inside the box which Dumont manage to tip out for a corner.
The Wanderers continued to press their case for all three points; head coach Smith called on Sienna Saveska off the bench for a late cameo and the 16-year-old almost snatched all three points with a venomous free-kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time which whipped past the top-right corner, bristling the side netting.
Shortly after the final whistle blew with scores locked at 0-0, confirming the first goalless draw of the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season.
“They (the Wanderers) are a well organised team and they’ve been like that all season,” said Victory coach Jeff Hopkins after the stalemate.
“Sarina Bolden causes a lot of problems up top but I’m really pleased with how we were in control and able to limit them in transition.
“We looked really fresh in the first half, we were sharp and positive on the ball.
“We made a few substitutions and that messes up with your flow but I’m really proud with our effort tonight.”
Victory are now unbeaten in seven games – a run which followed back-to-back defeats to start the season.
Wanderers boss Smith says Victory, the back-to-back Liberty A-League champions, are always a genuine test and was pleased to see her side come through the midweek matchup with a point.
“It’s always going to be a tough game against Victory,” Smith said.
“For them to come here and have a little less recovery time, we wanted to take advantage and go at them.
“I think a share of the spoils is a fair result and you’re always happy with a clean sheet.
