Wellington Phoenix women have begun their professional life with a valuable point, securing a 0-0 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers at Wollongong.
In an impressive maiden outing in the A-League Women's competition, the Phoenix played an attacking brand of football, especially considering the starting XI consisted mainly of players in their teens.
Despite the gulf in experience, the Phoenix were left frustrated, as midfielders Grace Wisnewski and Chloe Knott both missed chances in front of the Wanderers goal.
At the other end, Phoenix goalkeeper and captain Lily Alfeld was hardly troubled, only making three saves.
The Phoenix were fortunate in defence, with Western Sydney forward Sheridan Gallagher denied by the crossbar. Midfielder Rosie Galea also had a chance to snatch a late victory for the Wanderers, but could only hit the side netting in the 85th minute.
Despite the goalless draw, the performance gave coach Gemma Lewis reason to smile.
"They did exactly what we wanted them to do," Lewis says. "I'm super proud of them and couldn't have asked for anything more.
"We knew there weren't any expectations on us going in, but the girls want to show what they're made of.
"The girls want to show that they're here to compete. They want to show that they've got the calibre to be in this league.
"They had a little something to prove as well and I think you could see that.
"We got a draw and we got a point, but I think they want to push for even more. They want to show people they can really keep improving."
The point sees the Phoenix temporarily second on the table - on alphabetical order - behind Melbourne City, who defeated Canberra United 1-0.
The Phoenix continue their debut A-League Women's season against Newcastle Jets next Friday.
