W-League: Lady Reds, WSW play out entertaining draw

Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers have fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their Sunday afternoon W-League clash at Adelaide Shores Football Complex, with both teams enjoying time in the lead.

Keelin Winters converted two penalties for the Wanderers, while Adelaide youngsters Emily Condon and Alex Chidiac did the damage for the home side, in a carnival-like atmosphere in which pride was on the line.

The Wanderers and the Lady Reds are last and second-last on the W-League ladder respectively, but with the standard of football on display one could have been fooled into thinking a spot on the top of the ladder was up for grabs.

Condon got the home side of the board in the third minute of the encounter, as she pounced on the rebound of Lisa-Marie Woods’ shot from a corner, and the 16-year-old’s chip flew over keeper Trudy Burke and into the top of the net.

The early wound got the Wanderers going though, and after a number of shots that cruised wide of their target, they were rewarded with a penalty for a push in the box by Kristy Moore in the 25th minute. Winters converted the spot-kick with ease, as Adelaide keeper Melissa Barbieri dived the wrong way.

The game remained locked at one apiece at the interval, but on the resumption the Lady Reds came out with every intention of pushing their opponents back. The plan worked as they drove in a number of strikes, but then all came unravelled when they again fouled in the box.

Monique Iannalla was the accused on the second occasion, with a poorly-timed challenge as the Wanderers had a rare moment up forward. Once again Winters was able to bury the penalty, this time using the right post to give her side the lead in the 63rd minute.

After a flurry of changes from Adelaide boss Ross Aloisi, parity was again restored as teenager Chidiac capitalised on an error to cheekily back-heel the game’s fourth goal in the 72nd minute. Burke had gone to smother a tame effort from outside the area, but the ball somehow bounced out of her clutches, and Chidiac was able to take advantage.

With the game all squared up the Wanderers started to push again, but the muggy conditions got the better of both sides, and the tired legs meant a draw was all that could be achieved.

After the game, Chidiac said she was pleased with her effort, but was frustrated by her team’s inability to take all the points.

“It was great [to score]… but it’s disappointing to only draw,” Chidiac said.

“It was a great game to play in, but we just couldn’t come up with the win.

“I think we did well, and hopefully we can get a win next week,” she said.

In the other dugout, Wanderers’ coach Norm Boardman was happy with a point away from home, but thought his team deserved take two more back to Parramatta Stadium.

“I think both coaches are a little disappointed no one got the three points… both teams really worked hard,” Boardman said.

“Our girls were out on their feet, but at the end [Adelaide] worked a little bit harder,” he said.

Adelaide will play its final game of the season away from home against Newcastle Jets on Saturday, while the Wanderers will host Brisbane next Sunday to end its 2014 campaign.



Adelaide United starting XI: 1. Melissa Barbieri (GK), 2. Monique Iannella, 3. Danielle Brogan, 6. Dylan Holmes (82’ off), 7. Katrina Pedersen, 8. Emily Condon (62’ off), 9. Lisa-Marie Woods, 12. Daila-Tais Borg, 14. Rachel Alonso (59 off’), 15. Jenna McCormick, 23. Kristy Moore (C)

Adelaide United substitutes: 10. Alexandra Chidiac (59’ on), 11. Isabel Hodgson (62’ on), 16. Katie Holtham (82’ on), 20. Sarah Willacy (GK)


Western Sydney Wanderers starting XI: 1. Trudy Burke (GK), 2. Caitlin Cooper (C), 3. Jessica Seaman, 4. Caitlin Jarvie (85’ off), 5. Helen Petinos, 6. Rachael Soutar, 8. Grace Henry, 9. Keelin Winters, 10. Michelle Carney (90’ off), 12. Hannah Beard (77’ off), 16. Linda O’Neill

Western Sydney Wanderers substitutes: 14. Demi Koulizakis (77’ on), 17. Laura Donnelly (90’ on), 19. Chloe O’Brien (85 on’), 30. Jessica Urquhart (GK)