Wanderers Westfield W-League head coach Dean Heffernan has praised his players following their history making 5-0 demolition of Sydney FC in the Sydney Derby at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night but says it won’t go to their heads.
With American star Lynn Williams and rising Australian talent Kyra Cooney-Cross grabbing a brace of goals each and Amy Harrison scoring against her former club, the Red & Black produced the finest performance in their W-League history.
Making it even sweeter is the fact it was just the club’s second win over traditional rivals Sydney in 13 games and their biggest all-time victory against any opponent. It also saw them break the club record for successive games (four) without a defeat.
The unbeaten Wanderers have now gone five games from five without a loss this season and leapfrog Sydney into second spot on the W-League table as they look to claim a spot in the finals for the first time.
Despite all the accolades and records, an over the moon Heffernan, who has done a great job in his first season as a senior coach, ensured neither the coaching staff nor the players will get ahead of themselves.
“From the start we have felt that way,” said Heffernan when asked about the possibility of silverware for the club this season.
“It’s one game.
“We are in a good position, but there’s a long way to go and the girls know that.
“We are very lucky with the group of players we have got. They are very professional, very driven and very competitive.”
Heffernan could find no fault in the performance of his outstanding team, though he admitted they could have won by a far greater margin.
The Wanderers were an irresistible force almost from kick-off, scoring twice in the opening six minutes and going into the break with an almost unbeatable 3-0 lead before Williams scored twice in the second period.
“The more the game went on, the more the girls were able to play their normal game, their natural game as individuals and as a team,” said Heffernan.
“They got what they deserved in terms of the scoreline and maybe even could have got a few more.
“Every player contributed and we are lucky to have a terrific squad where they all push each other, especially at training.”
Heffernan acknowledged that a result like this one is not just good for the club but for the W-League in general. The Wanderers have yet to make the Finals while it has been tough going against Sydney FC.
“I can only speak for us as club and obviously this is a win we have not had for long time in the W-League and to do in that kind of fashion was obviously huge for us and the league,” added Heffernan.
“It shows what we are about this season and what we want to achieve.
“Again, it is one game and now we need to focus on our next game on Boxing Day and continue the momentum.”
