WaiBOP's 2020 ISPS Handa Women's Premiership campaign has begun with a draw against Central in Palmerston North.

An even first half, in which WaiBOP twice came from behind thanks to strikes from Grace Wisnewski and Kelli Brown, set up a second half that saw the visitors have all the ball but no further goals.

The first 45 minutes were far more open than either coach would have desired. Fifteen-year-old debutant keeper, Aimee Feinberg-Danieli, was kept busy as the hosts threatened from deep. It also took WaiBOP, in their first match of the season, time to settle.

After the break, Feinberg-Danieli barely had a touch as WaiBOP had most of the ball and created enough good chances to have found a match winner. Captain, Michaela Foster, repeatedly threatened to create openings from her set piece delivery, but WaiBOP found Central to be just a little too resolute at the back to break down. 

WaiBOP welcomes defending champs, Canterbury United Pride, to Cambridge on Sunday for their first home game of the season.

Central 2-2 WaiBOP (ht: 2-2)
CE: Charlotte Lancaster (9'), Mikaela Boxall (42').
WB: Grace Wisnewski (30'), Kelli Brown (42').

WaiBOP squad: 21. Aimee FEINBERG-DANIELI (GK), 2. Mania ELLIOTT, 3. Serena MURRIHY, 5. Michaela FOSTER, 7. Emma CAWTE (17. Caitlin BYRNE 90'), 8. Kate LOYE (11. Olivia HOOPER 73'), 9. Kelli BROWN, 10. Grace WISNEWSKI, 12. Shannon TREBES, 16. Madison OLLINGTON (15. Lilly MUSPRATT 61'), 20. Chelsea ELLIOTT. Subs (not used): 6. Sarah CARPENTER, 13. Stella NEEMS. 

Watch a full replay here.