Tara Murray
Western United made it two from two in the A-League Women’s competition on Saturday with a win against the Wellington Phoenix.
On the road for the first time, United faced the other brand new team in the competition, which was coming off an opening round loss.
United opened the scoring through Jess McDonald in the 17th minute, her second goal in as many matches.
It was her second good shot on goal, with a header in the seventh minute just going over the crossbar.
Phoenix’s Marisa van der Meer levelled the scores before half time, bouncing on a after United couldn’t clear the line.
The remainder saw both teams frequently exchanging breaks forward, but for all of the attacking intent there was to be no further impact on the scoreboard.
There was plenty of free flowing action early in the second half as both teams looked for a goal to hit the front, but limited clear cut opportunities.
United pushed to regain the lead and finally found the goal in the 71st minute thanks to a thumping header from Sydney Cummings following a corner.
After going close early in the second half, Hannah Keane was finally rewarded for her hard work as she tapped home from close range following a defensive effor.
Just minutes later, Keane was back in the action getting on the end of an Emma Robers’ cross to score her second and seal a 4-1 win.
Three more players got their opportunity to play their first minutes for United in the win.
Tyla Jay Vlajnic came into the starting side, making her debut after missing out in round one.
Julia Sardo and Jaclyn Sawicki both got their first opportunities to take to the field after being unused on the bench in round one.
United goalkeeper Hillary Beall spoke with broadcaster SKY Sports New Zealand after the game and said the attacking group made life easier for their defenders.
“It’s great,” she said. “I mean going up against them everyday in training pushes us so it’s great.
“It’s a good start to the season I think.
“Obviously, not the result at half (time) that we wanted but to build character and comeback, and get those three points it means a lot. This group is strong.”
The win means United becomes just the third club to win its first two matches in the A-League Women’s competition.
United are again on the road this week, travelling to play Adelaide United on Sunday.
