Despite having a player sent off in the first half, new team Western Waves secured their first WNSL point with a 1-1 draw against Northern NSW Pride on Thursday.

Northern NSW, having played a game or two more than most other sides so far this season, is in outright first place, although could well have enjoyed a greater outcome if not for poor composure in front of goal.

The Perth team put the more favoured Pride on the back foot by taking the lead in the third minute of play.

A freekick to Western was played forward from deep and bobbled in the danger area before captain Tanya Oxtoby, a draft player for Northern last season, got her foot to the ball and the shot trickled over the line.

It was her first ever league goal.

Western Waves were reduced to ten players when midfielder Sarah Cunningham was shown the red card for a foul on home team captain Cheryl Salisbury in the 31st minute.

Nine minutes later, Pride equalised.

A Meegan Shepherd through-ball allowed Gill behind the defence and, with the goalkeeper out off her line, she calmly slotted the ball home.

The other match of the round is scheduled for Friday night when Canberra Eclipse hosts Adelaide Sensation, both playing their first match of the season.

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