Western Sydney Wanderers captain Mitch Duke admits his side’s failure to kick on from last October’s Sydney derby win has been frustrating to watch.
The Wanderers ended a 980-day wait for derby success with a battling 1-0 win over the Sky Blues with Duke heading in a 19th minute match winner, which at the time, put the Red and Black three points clear atop the Hyundai A-League ladder.
But the 2014 AFC Champions League winners were unable to build upon what many fans hoped would be a springboard for greater things.
Western Sydney are now 23 points behind Sydney ahead of Saturday’s clash in Kogarah having won just two of 12 matches following that derby success.
“From then on we started a bit of a downward spiral for a while, almost like we were hungover from the massive win,” Duke told www.aleague.com.au.
“We just lost our way a little bit, which can happen in the season.
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But Duke is optimistic that the Red and Black have turned a corner despite that abysmal post-derby run.
A bye weekend following Markus Babbel’s sacking gave the club a fresh start, and a 3-1 win over Central Coast Mariners last Sunday was a huge confidence boost.
The ex-Mariner and Socceroo forward believes that win ensures his side enter Saturday’s cross-city blockbuster with wind in their sails, as they attempt to record back to back victories in the fixture for what would be just the second time.
“There’s no better game to come into off the back of a win than another derby,” he said.
“Hopefully we can just keep going upwards.
“I know they are desperate to get revenge. To this day they are still saying ‘how the hell did they beat us’. It hurts them still.
“They are out for blood and revenge so we have to be prepared for that.
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Meanwhile, Wanderers defender Dylan McGowan believes the Red and Black have steadied the ship with that 3-1 win over the Mariners last Sunday.
And the defender knows beating Sydney would not only continue their revival but demonstrate the team could still have a lot to offer at the back end of the campaign, as Finals Football looms large.
“There’s been a lot of change at the club not just on the coaching staff. That hits the reset button with the group,” he said.
“It has given us a lot of time to reflect on what has gone on and what we want to do for the rest of season.
“Nothing breeds more confidence than winning the derby.
He added: “They [Sydney] are the best team in the competition. We are under no illusion to how difficult a night they will make for us if we are not at 100%.”
Round 18
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off: 5pm AEDT
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Broadcast: ABC Me, FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports, ABC iView