Plea to fans as finals beckon

FOOTBALL: The Red and Black Bloc have vowed to return to Sydney’s Spotless Stadium in full voice to support their team as the Wanderers chase a finals finish.

Western Sydney’s active support area was closed for last weekend’s match against Perth Glory as punishment for the flares let off by a handful in the RBB during the Sydney derby.

The dullest of draws was played out in front of the Wanderers’ smallest yet A-League crowd last weekend, with the on-field performance matching the subdued atmosphere in the stadium.

But with the active area set to reopen for tonight’s game against Wellington Phoenix, the RBB has called on its members to return to the stadium and provide the team with the support they need.

“A crucial game in terms of the finals race. Last weekend is gone, time to move forward,” the RBB posted.

The Wanderers remain in a precarious position on the ladder; they’re in sixth spot on 27 points, but Brisbane have closed the gap on them to just two.

With only four games remaining, Wanderers coach Josep Gombau knows how crucial it is to pick up maximum points, particularly from their two remaining home fixtures.

“If we want to make the finals, it’s a game we need to win,” he said. “It’s a big game for us. “Every game is big for us if we want to be in the finals, and then when we’re in the finals anything can happen.”

The Wanderers were disappointed with their performance in last weekend’s 1-1 draw, with fullback Raul Llorente saying, “I want to take this game, put it in the rubbish, and forget.”

After re-watching the match during the week, Gombau said everyone in the team agreed it was a poor performance and the aim is to make a statement against bottom-of-the-table Wellington.

“What we need is to keep more of the ball,” he said.

“We want to have the ball and control the possession.

“We are lucky that we have another opportunity to show that we can do better.”

Though the Phoenix have been underwhelming all season, the players may have a spring in their step following the mid-week axing of coach Darije Kalezic.

Chris Greenacre has stepped into the coaching role and Gombau expects the players will be motivated to impress him.

“Normally when a team changes coach the first week is good because everybody wants to prove to the coach that they are ready, that they are committed and that they can do well,” Gombau said. Tonight: Wanderers v Phoenix 6.50pm, Glory v Mariners 9pm (both AEST)