Topor-Stanley says winless Wanderers must stop excuses

Skipper Nikolai Topor-Stanley says Western Sydney Wanderers’ punishing travel schedule is no excuse for their woeful start to the A-League season.

The recently-crowned Asian champions are anchored to the foot of the table after picking up just one point in their opening five games.

Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Central Coast Mariners ended a run of four successive losses which had included away trips to Perth and Adelaide on the back of their ACL final win over Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Topor-Stanley missed the Mariners game and the 2-1 loss to Perth Glory due his commitments with the Socceroos but will return to the side for Saturday clash at Pirtek Stadium with fellow strugglers Newcastle who are also searching for a first win.

“Over the last few months there has been a lot of travel but that is no excuse, we need to perform better,” Topor-Stanley said.

“We really need to push hard and get the three points, but there is no panic button.

“We have the same mentality as we always have and will be fine.”

Topor-Stanley was an unused substitute for the Socceroos’ 2-1 loss to Japan on Wednesday but was able to watch the two A-League games he missed on the internet.

“It was frustrating to watch I am not a good spectator,” he said.

“It’s hard watching from an armchair and not being able to help the team.

“But there were plenty of positives from out of the Mariners game.

“We created plenty of chances and soon we will start converting those into goals.”

Jets coach Phil Stubbins has reacted to last week’s 4-0 thrashing by Brisbane by axing goalkeeper Mark Birighitti from his starting line-up.

Ben Kennedy is recalled between the sticks as the Jets look to get off the mark at a venue that has seen them win on two of their last three visits.