Western Sydney Wanderers captain Mitch Duke says the team’s growing bond in the face of adversity was the catalyst to ending their losing run.
The Wanderers put paid to a horror stretch of five straight Hyundai A-League losses on Friday night when they drew 1-1 with Western United at Bankwest Stadium.
The at-times dominant performance was a marked turnaround for the Wanderers, who only failed to secure the win in an often conservative contest by conceding late.
Chances were at a premium for much of the contest before Patrick Zeigler headed the hosts ahead in the 79th minute from a corner.
However, the celebrations were put on ice when Aaron Calver nodded home the equaliser in the 87th minute for Western United.
The result comes on the back of a tumultuous week for the Wanderers with media speculation surrounding the future of coach Markus Babbel and suggestions of disharmony within the team and club.
Speaking to FOX Sports, Duke said he felt the team had responded strongly in the face of criticism and rumour.
“We were kind of using the negativity as motivation for the boys,” Duke explained.
“It fired me up. I got quite angry at some of the accusations and the things being said.
REPORT: Late Calver equaliser piles more frustration on Wanderers
LATEST NEWS: Bundesliga debut just the beginning for Singh – Cacace
“I said to the boys we’ve got to use that as motivation and prove a point to everyone outside (the club). We know how it is inside and not to worry and let it affect us.
“But also, let’s prove a point how tight knit we are. We are a good bunch of lads and it is a good club.”
However, Duke admitted that while the draw was a step in the right direction, it is far from a panacea for the Wanderers slim returns since the start of November.
Markus Babbel’s side have now taken just two points from their past seven matches and will remain outside the Hyundai A-League top six for another week.
“We seem to be in that moment at the moment where losing, or not winning, is becoming a habit and we need to try to break that,” Duke said.
PREVIEW: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
PREVIEW: Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
However, Duke added that he didn’t think the team was too fair off returning to their best.
“To be fair, I thought with our performance I felt that the fire, the spark, was kind of back. I even said that at half-time when I got in the huddle before the second half kicked off.
“We felt good. We felt like we were going to get the win. It was unfortunate that a lapse in concentration we got punished.”
The Wanderers next test is against away against Adelaide United next Friday night, before returning to Bankwest Stadium to host Brisbane Roar in a New Year’s Day showdown.
Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Friday, 27 December
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Time: 7:30PM AEDT
Match Centre
Click here to buy tickets
