Wanderers dig deep

At 1-0 down, the Wanderers needed to find their resolve to make a comeback and get something out of this game – which is exactly what they did. In the past, this might have been a team that fell away after going down so early, but Dean Heffernan’s squad rose to the challenge.

As the game went on, Western Sydney pressed more and more, and started to gain control over the flow of the game. Kristen Hamilton had a number of opportunities throughout the match, with a superb volley with 20 minutes remaining that flew just wide of the goal.

In the 61st minute, Lynn Williams equalised for her team, neatly touching the ball around the defender and finishing into the bottom corner. But the goal didn’t come easily. The Wanderers had to dig deep, to get the point out of this game – and it was an important point, too. The draw puts the Wanderers back on top of the table for tonight before the remainder of round four games are played on Sunday.

This same energy, determination and passion will be needed in the Wanderers next match in round six – a top of the table, derby clash against Sydney FC.

 

Dumont didn’t skip a beat

Casey Dumont was Melbourne Victory’s superstar from start to finish today. In the last 30 seconds of the match, a volley from Sam Staab came flying dangerously across the goal - but Dumont was there to save the day.

It was the story of the game, with the keeper making a number of saves against the sting of the Wanderers' attack. Dumont denied a stellar strike from Kyra Cooney-Cross, lunging to the left to save the shot. Only minutes earlier, the 27-year-old secured a dangerously dipping ball that deflected off Amy Harrison’s attempt on goal.  

The keeper was even able to catch Sam Staab’s iconic long-range throw towards the end of the first half. Dumont did well to keep a clean sheet in the first half, and her 94th minute save secured the draw for her side in the last play of the match.

Victory will likely rely on Dumont again next week when they play cross-town rivals Melbourne City.

90+4' What a save by @CaseyDumont to deny Sam Staab! #MVCvWSW 1-1 #WLeague

— Victory W-League (@victorywleague) December 7, 2019 ">

 

Draw a fair result

Victory’s early dominance saw them take the lead after the 8th minute when Haley Hanson slotted the ball into the net, assisted by captain Natasha Dowie. The Melbournians enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, pressing their opponents and creating a few good chances.

Western Sydney made it hard for themselves in the first 30 minutes, with Lynn Williams and Kristin Hamilton not receiving enough quality service from the midfield. But as the game went on Western Sydney were able to turn it around.

Both teams had a number of opportunities to claim all three points in the second half, with the woodwork being hit on both ends of the pitch. Once the Wanderers started pushing forward and creating opportunities, the Victory defended well to extinguish a multitude of red and black attacking chances.

A first #MVFC goal for @hay_hanson, who combines with @tatsdowie for the opener! #MVCvWSW #WLeague @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/JjHGhtFVw9

— Victory W-League (@victorywleague) December 7, 2019 ">