The second Sydney Derby had something for everyone. Drama, controversy and rock solid football.

But after all was said and done the Sydney rivals shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw.

It was a spectacular early goal by Alanna Kennedy from a 19 yard free kick that opened up scoring at the 9th minute. Sydney FC off to a red hot start, it appeared that the Wanderers might have trouble on their hands.

But just 10 minutes later Hannah Beard evened things up with a stunning individual effort shedding defenders as she drove into the box.

In a game that felt like it could be anyone's the frequent whistle of the official began to disrupt the tempo.

Referee Katie Patterson hand delivered Sydney FC 6 yellow cards in 90 minutes with 3 cards dished out in the space of 5 min. Meanwhile the Wanderers managed to avoid a ticket until the final minute when Michelle Carney threw the ball away.

In a jostling physical game the frustration began to build for the yellow Sky Blues.

To add to the controversy, the 36th minute saw a penalty call for the Wanderers off a corner. Word was that a Western Sydney player had been tripped off the ball but for many it was a mysterious decision prompting a heated discussion from Sydney captain Teresa Polias.

But like all memorable football games nothing was simple.

A penalty taken by the seasoned US import Keelin Winters was saved low and to the right by Michelle Betos keeping things square against the odds.

The second half was much like the first however the physicality and pace started to stretch the field. Wanderers starting to visibly fatigue and allowing Sydney to hold the ball and encroach the box.

Sydney FC with the momentum of a vocal local crowd (including the singing Cove) were able to finally capitalise on a string of chances. Kyah Simon cutting back and dribbling in a shot after Sydney had spent a spell of time camped in the Wanderers half.

But with 17 minutes still to play there was plenty of time for a comeback.

A double sub of Alix Roberts and Liz Grey proved to be the catalyst as the fresh legs tore Sydney apart. Roberts finding Grey on a swift counter attack and evening up the score with just 6 minutes left to play.

Sydney unable to keep the Wanderers at bay with limited defensive bench options and key injuries mounting, what could have been a 2-1 win became a 2-2 draw.

In the brutal fight for the top 4 and a W-league finals spot Sydney and Western Sydney can either view this as a positive (gained a point, held opposition to a point) or they can both, rightly so, feel robbed of a deserved 2 additional points.

The real winner on Sunday afternoon was football. Sydney football to be specific.

The W-league Sydney Derby was historically a one-sided affair with a Matildas-pumped Sydney FC casually taking points from their little sister.

But those days are over.

The Wanderwomen have become a confident and triumphant side able to fight back from behind and physically match Sydney FC over 90 minutes.

With just 2 points separating the Sydney sides, let us hope to see them match up again in the finals series to decide who gets to take home the ultimate Sydney Derby bragging rights.

Sydney FC 2 (Alanna Kennedy 9’, Kyah Simon 74’)

Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Hannah Beard 19’, Liz Grey 84’)

Sunday 6 December 2015 Lambert Park, Sydney Kick-off: 4pm Referee: Katie Paterson

Sydney FC: Michelle Betos (gk), Liz Ralston, Jasmyne Spencer, Teresa Polias (c), Amy Harrison, Princess Ibini, Natalie Tobin (Sunny Franco 88’), Alanna Kennedy, Teigen Allen, Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis

Substitutes – Sham Khamis (gk), Olivia Price, Hannah Bacon Cautions – Alanna Kennedy 15’, Teigen Allen 29’, Amy Harrison 31’, Jasmyne Spencer 32’, Leena Khamis 50’, Kyah Simon 56’

Western Sydney Wanderers: Jada Whyman (gk), Carmelina Moscato, Chloe O’Brien (Liz Grey 79’), Rachael Soutar (Helen Petinos 71’), Erica Halloway, Michelle Carney, Keelin Winters (c), Hannah Beard (Alix Roberts 79’), Demi Koulizakis, Ellie Carpenter, Linda O’Neill

Substitutes – Lisa Farrington (gk) Cautions – Michelle Carney 93’