The Wellington Phoenix have secured a hard-fought point in their historic first match in the A-League women's competition and admit the "surprise" factor is now gone.
Zoe Mcmeeken of the Phoenix has a shot on goal during the A League Women's match Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Phoenix drew 0-0 with Western Sydney Wanderers at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
In a game with few clear-cut chances, the young Wellington side had more shots on goal than the Wanderers, rising to the occasion in their maiden match.
Head coach Gemma Lewis acknowledges the task is only going to get tougher for the Phoenix this season.
"The surprise has gone now. I think everyone kind of knows what to expect," Lewis said after the game.
Lewis hailed the draw as an "amazing" performance from her team.
"They're on a high. We knew there wasn'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."
Kick-off was delayed almost 20 minutes due to lightning, but when the match finally did get underway the Phoenix looked assured against their more experienced opponents.
The Phoenix managed to press high up the pitch and force mistakes from the Wanderers back four.
The Wanderers' best chance came in just the 13th minute when forward Sheridan Gallagher rattled the crossbar after finding space in the Phoenix box.
Phoenix captain Lily Alfeld comfortably dealt with the Wanderers' other shots on target.
The Phoenix also kept Sarah Langman busy in the Wanderers goal, with Grace Wisnewski and Chloe Knott both finding the target in the first 45 minutes, while Isabel Gomez and Grace Jale blazed wide from distance.
Wellington also defended resolutely, with Kate Taylor and Mackenzie Barry marshalling the back four while Gomez broke up play in the midfield.
Knott nodded wide shortly after halftime, after McMeeken made one of her runs run down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross.
The Wellington Phoenix's next test is against the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Friday night.
