Wanderers fans starting to see light at the end of the tunnel

Wanderers fans see some light at the end of the tunnel with spirited display in draw against Sydney FC.

Wanderers goalscorer Alexander Baumjohann takes on Sydney FC’s Paulo Retre at ANZ Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

It wasn’t the win they had craved, but the 1-1 draw with Sydney FC in the local derby at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night might well prove a significant step in the healing process for the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Already out of finals contention and condemned to a second successive season of bitter disappointment, the Wanderers at least found some solace in handing their cross-town rivals a massive blow in their quest to successfully defend the Premiers Plate.

Having found themselves behind to Alex Brosque’s well-taken seventh minute goal, the home side summoned the willpower and the determination to get back into the game through Alex Baumjohann’s 57th minute free kick, before throwing themselves into the search for the winning goal that would have broken a seven-match winless streak against Sydney FC.

It wasn’t to be but at least coach Markus Babbel saw enough encouraging signs to suggest there could be better times ahead as he looks to start reshaping the club next season.

“Tonight, it was so important for the players to show them (the fans) something,” Babbel said. “They have not been happy for the last two years and we need to do some changes.

“It is not easy if there is not a target (for the season) any more. We can’t finish sixth and to motivate all the time is not easy.

“They tried and worked hard. The derby … is so important for our fans and club to give 100 per cent so it is a big compliment the team brought 100 per cent on the pitch and it was important for the future.”

Having started the season with so much promise, the Wanderers flattered to deceive. There were some promising performances, but ultimately they paid the price for their inconsistency and lack of steel in defence.

Babbel hasn’t been afraid to tell it as it is, often rebuking his players for their inadequacies. It was tough love, sure, but necessary given so much more is expected from a club of the magnitude of the Wanderers.

Still, the German has come under some scrutiny in his first season with the club with an undercurrent of concern over his tactical management, team selections and substitutions.

A number of times this season fans have been left scratching their heads with some of his substitutions, and we saw it on Saturday night when he replaced German marquee Baumjohann, who had been influential.

Baumjohann, who won’t be at the club next season, was far from impressed at being taken off.

Babbel’s moment of truth will come next season when he will have more influence on the players coming and going from the club, not to mention the fact the Wanderers will move to a permanent home ground at Bankwest Stadium.

“Our fans have been outstanding and have been through a lot this season and last season. Today, they deserved a performance. We were very good, there was a lot of passion.’’