Western Sydney might have only played one game in almost three weeks, but defender Dylan McGowan believes it has had its benefits going into Friday night’s Hyundai A-League match against Adelaide United at Bankwest Stadium.
The Wanderers will be out to continue their mini resurgence against the Reds in a game McGowan believes could be an important step in the club’s bid to play Finals football this season.
The Red & Black are coming off a 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets last week – a result which has seen them grab four points from a possible six under interim head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny.
Having had to contend with a bye as well as having the Sydney Derby postponed due to the inclement weather, the Wanderers have not seen as much football as they would have liked in recent times.
However, it’s not something the experienced McGowan is too concerned about.
“Obviously, not playing week in and week out is disappointing, but I think the way it has worked out, we have used it as a positive,” said McGowan.
“JP coming in and bringing his own ideas to the table, we have sort of tried to use this time wisely in terms of getting in as many training sessions as possible and really trying to nail down his ideas and what he wants us to do, not only within the games, but for training and for us as players inside the cub as well.
“A lot of things have changed recently so it’s more so about getting all those ingredients down pat and trying to execute them come the weekend.”
McGowan has no doubts the game against his former club will be a good test and a chance to continue to build momentum in the charge for the Finals.
“It is a chance for us to put another foot forward in terms of trying to get back into the top six and really try and push ourselves higher up the table,” said McGowan.
“The games are running out … we have 10 games to go and need as many wins as possible and home games help with that as well.
“Adelaide are a team in the top six and a little bit of a benchmark to see where we are at the moment. It’s a big chance for us to get three points.”
Having been born in Adelaide and crafted his trade there, the game will hold some special meaning for McGowan.
“I still haven’t played against them as I was on the bench the first time we played them this season,” McGowan pointed out.
“It being in Sydney helps a little bit, it’s not back on their home ground, but it’s always something special coming up against the old team.
“Hopefully we can get the win over them because I think we certainly need it more than them at the moment.”
