Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic is encouraged by the Wanderers’ progression despite failing to convert a lead into three points for the second straight week.
Last season’s Grand Finalists led in the second minute against the Mariners on Saturday night but were held to a 1-1 draw following Robert Cornthwaite’s defensive error.
“There are some very good signs in the way we’re playing. We just need to put teams to bed when we’re on top,” Popovic told Fox Sports.
Wanderers, Mariners share the spoils at Spotless
“We’ve gone three games now without a defeat.
“Of course we would have liked to have won today and last week. We had the opportunities to do it.
“We’re getting punished for opportunities against us at the moment, for mistakes that are happening.
“We’ll keep improving but the signs are good.”
One particular standout for the hosts was new winger Nicolas Martinez, who consistently troubled the Mariners’ back four until his withdrawal on the hour.
“He was very fatigued in the second-half,” Popovic said.
“That’s just natural with where he’s come from and the fitness levels he had prior to joining us, but it was a good 60 minutes for him.”
