Western Sydney midfielder Mitch Nichols believes shutting out free-scoring rivals Sydney FC is an encouraging sign of Wanderers’ strong temperament.
Though they were unable to add to their two victories, Tony Popovic’s troops did become just the second team to keep the Sky Blues scoreless this season.
Spoils shared in absorbing Sydney Derby
The first ever Sydney Derby stalemate also marked a much-needed milestone for Wanderers.
“It’s a clean sheet, I think it’s our first all year, so that’s a positive,” Nichols told Fox Sports.
“Our character, our mentality has been tested this week in the media so it’s a good bounce-back by the boys.
“Full credit to the boys at the back, they dug deep. The whole team actually defended really well tonight, even [continuing on] from last week with 10 men.”
While their wait for a third win stretches to six straight fixtures, Nichols accepted Saturday night’s 0-0 draw as a fair result.
“Both teams went full throttle tonight. We had chances but so did they,” the 27-year-old said.
“We just seem to be lacking that final touch in the front third.
“We’ve just got to start putting wins together and get up that table.”
