The Western Sydney Wanderers Ninja A-League Women continued their early pre-season preparations with a valuable 90-minute hit-out against Wellington Phoenix, with the Red & Black going down 1-0 in challenging conditions.
Played across three 30-minute periods, the fixture provided another important opportunity for the new-look Wanderers squad to build combinations, fitness and match sharpness ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League Women season.
Wellington started strongly and enjoyed the majority of possession during the opening stages, taking the lead inside 10 minutes through a deflected effort.
The Wanderers gradually worked their way into the contest as the opening period progressed and carried that momentum into an encouraging second 30 minutes.
With more of the ball, the Red & Black began to create opportunities in the attacking third.
A dangerous delivery from Bennett flashed across the face of goal, while American Brooke Miller also went close after seeing an effort inside the penalty area blocked as the Wanderers pushed for an equaliser.
A host of changes throughout the second and third periods allowed the majority of the squad to earn valuable minutes, with several players featuring for the club for the first time.
While the Phoenix held onto their narrow advantage, the fixture marked another important step for the Wanderers Ninja A-League Women side, who remain in the very early stages of pre-season.
With new signings Silje Bjørneboe, Carleigh Frilles and Laura Pickett still to join the group, alongside the injured Tegan Bertolissio, there remains plenty more to come as the squad continues to build towards the new campaign.
The focus now turns to continuing to develop combinations and match fitness as preparations gather momentum in the weeks ahead.
