A derby to remember 

After a long history of derby wins for Sydney FC, tonight’s game had a very different story.

The Sky Blues were down 2-0 within the first seven minutes, with the Western Sydney Wanderers putting on a performance like never before.

Their 5-0 triumph saw them win their first derby in five years.

Now we have a derby that’s equally as passionate and fast-paced as the men.

Tonight’s game has proven that the W-League has the quality and the momentum to be a real showstopper. The fast ball movement and quality of attacking chances made the game an absolute spectacle.

Tonight’s match was the first time since the Western Sydney Wanderers joined the W-League where it felt like the derby magic was alive.

The intensity and aggression of the match is something that fans won’t want to miss in the next derby in Round Twelve, and in the finals when these two top teams inevitably will play each other again.

.@amy_harrison7 drills it in 😲

Fairy-tale start for the @wswanderersfc in the #sydneyderby #WSWvSYD #WLeague pic.twitter.com/Aniuk84PMo

— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) December 20, 2019 ">

Lynn Williams changed the game 

Williams has been a great recruit for the Western Sydney Wanderers this season, and she really showed her worth in tonight’s match.

Williams scored the fourth and fifth goal for the Wanderers in the 76th and 87th minute.

The American also had a part in both the first and second goal too. Amy Harrison's bottom left corner strike came from the pace on the flank of Lynn Williams only six minutes into the match.

And then a minute later, Kyra Cooney-Cross had her name on the score sheet – again, Lynn William’s pace and a stellar cross from wide set up the youngster.

William’s was vital to the derby match, as she has been all season so far. The Wanderers will need her pace and goal-scoring ability again next week when they take on Canberra United in Round Seven.

Wanderers - and especially Lynn Williams - putting Sydney FC to the sword at the moment. Two goals in the first six minutes with Harrison and Cooney-Cross scoring! #WSWvSYD

— Anna Harrington (@AnnaHarrington) December 20, 2019 ">

2-0 down int he blink of an eye. @wswanderersfc and Lynn Williams absolutely tearing Sydney FC apart.

This is what you like to see! #SydneyDerby #WSWvSYD #Wleague

— Nicholas Rupolo (@NickRupolo) December 20, 2019 ">

Still a long way to go 

The W-League is getting better, but we still have a long way to go.

It was unfortunate that the gates of Bankwest Stadium didn’t open until 4:45pm – only 15 minutes before kick-off. Team line-ups were being announced as fans were entering the stadium, and by the time most people were seated there was only moments left until the game was scheduled to begin.

A game on Friday at 5pm also isn’t the most ideal timing. It’s difficult for families and working professionals to make it to the game before kick-off, which isn’t the best way to grow our game and fan base – and the small number of fans who attended the game reflected that.

Surely we can do better. Tonight’s game wasn’t only a 2nd vs 3rd match, but it was the Sydney derby – arguably one of the most anticipated matches each season.

Although it’s great that the women are now playing at Bankwest Stadium, we need to make the games more accessible for fans.

With the quality of the women’s game at an all-time high, the players and fans deserve better.

All the #WSW #ALeague fans (who are likely to start showing up in half an hour 😠) are missing a stunning performance from their #WLeague team!! 😍 It was worth the trip up to Sydney just to see that incredible goal from @kyracooneyx 🚀 #SydneyDerby #WSWvSYD pic.twitter.com/lueD8xYaCY

— Ben Laws (@benlawskiwi) December 20, 2019 ">