Western Sydney Wanderers star Nico Martinez feels his side finally got reward for their recent improved performances after a drought-breaking win over Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
Playing at a new home base at Campbelltown, the Wanderers scored a goal in each half from Lachlan Scott – his first in the Hyundai A-League – and Jaushua Sotirio – to run out 2-0 winners.
REPORT: Wanderers end home hoodoo with win over Jets
It was not only the club’s first home win of the season but also made it back-to-back clean sheets following their stalemate with Sydney FC in the derby last weekend.
“We knew that we had to give something more,” Martinez told Fox Sports when asked what has changed over the last fortnight.
“We are working hard of course but we had to change some small details.
“After the derby I think we have done it and now is the prize.”
An even first half swung the Wanderers’ way just before the break when teenager Scott produced a superb finish from just inside the box after a defence-splitting pass by Kearyn Baccus.
With the match still up for grabs, Sotirio made the result safe when his deflected shot wrong-footed Jack Duncan in the Jets’ goal.
The result takes the Wanderers up to seventh on 18 points – only behind sixth-placed Wellington on goal difference – ahead of a trip to Brisbane Roar next weekend.
“We needed [the win] because we’re working very hard every week even though the results maybe weren’t what we wanted,” said Martinez, who put in another man-of-the-match display.
“Now I think we stepped up and we have to continue like this. We have to rest well and get ready for Brisbane.”
