Western Sydney are urging their passionate supporters to get behind them more than ever this week as they come off their most disappointing loss of the season.
You could’ve heard a pin drop on the Wanderers’ flight home from Melbourne last weekend after the side – already barely clinging to a spot in the top six – suffered an unforgivable 5-4 loss to last-placed Victory.
Wanderers midfielder James Troisi said scoring four goals on the road and losing is almost unheard of.
“Scoring four goals away from home and not coming away with anything is pretty ludicrous… but, in saying that, if you saw the goals we conceded it was quite disappointing,” he said.
“The trip home was quiet but we won’t bow down and let defeat overrule us… we are going to keep fighting to the end and that’s what we have to do.”
There’s probably no better game for the Wanderers to restore some faith into their dejected fan base than this Saturday night’s Sydney Derby at Bankwest Stadium.
A victory over Sydney FC will send the Wanderers back into the top six and will also give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about after a rollercoaster season.
“We understand the fans aren’t too happy, which is understandable, but one thing I will say is, it’s not that everyone is not working hard and doing the best they can,” the 32-year-old said.
“This game is extremely important to us and the fans, and it’s just a big game – it’s the Derby.
“It’s one we are looking forward to, but we definitely need a reaction and get something out of this game.”
A huge crowd is expected to be on deck for tomorrow evening’s blockbuster in Parramatta, with both sides desperate to taste victory after a fairly luckless month of April.
With last Friday’s performance now in the rear-view mirror, Troisi said he’s fully focused and excited to line up for his first Sydney Derby at Bankwest.
“It’s a home game and another important reason why we need to get something out of this game – not only for ourselves and the position of the league, but we need to put on good performance for the fans,” he said.
“The situation we’re in every week is tough but we are working our socks off at training and doing as much as we can to get as many points on the board.”
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.