Sydney FC's Fabio celebrates after Alessandro Del Piero scores what turns out to be the winner against Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Ryan Pierse Source: Getty Images
MIDFIELDER Paul Reid says being the most hated team in the A-League spurred Sydney FC on to their first win of the season against derby rivals the Wanderers.
The former Socceroo midfielder, who made a powerful starting debut for the club at Parramatta Stadium, said the vitriol and doubt following their opening two losses had galvanised the side before their 1-0 win on Saturday.
"We didn't have any doubts," Reid said.
"All teams, all supporters, and all the media across the country don't want Sydney to win. That's the way it is. We know that as players, the coaches know that. You want to prove a point to people.
"There were a lot of people doubting us against the Wanderers. Everyone was tipping West Sydney. It showed a lot of character to come out and put in a performance like that."
In the lead-up to the game, Sydney coach Ian Crook told his side to unite against the external pressure, which they managed to do in overcoming a raging Wanderers crowd.
To signify Sydney's standing among the football public, even the globally worshipped recruit Alessandro Del Piero was roundly booed from start to finish at Parramatta.
"Crooky has mentioned it to us numerous times," Reid said. "The way you get through this is you stick together as a team, and we've definitely done that.
"There have been plenty of doubters but with the training last week, we made a point to really stick together and show some urgency in training and be really sharp.
"We did that and we got the reward. Long may it continue.
"We didn't pick up any points from the first two games, so the pressure was on.
"Everyone in this league wants to beat Sydney FC. You could see the character of the boys. When you work hard as a team you get the rewards."
Reid, 33, believes the victory will ignite Sydney's season.
"I was really looking forward to the game, being my first start," he said. "It was a massive occasion for all Sydneysiders. I am a Sydney boy, so I was really up for the game.
"To get a win is really encouraging. We know it's a long season and this is only one win, but this is going to kick-start it.
"We came into the game wanting to get the three points and we got that.
"From the fans' perspective, they've now got the bragging rights. We wanted to get the three points not only for ourselves but our supporters."We can't get carried away. We said to each other, 'it's only one win'. We've got to back it up this week against Perth. To have two wins out of four games, if we win this week, will be a good start.
"We've got the derby out of the way now, got the first win in the first Sydney derby, and we're happy about that."
Sydney host the Glory on Sunday in a historic first A-League match at ANZ Stadium, and the home side is eyeing off successive wins.
"Glory are very physical," Reid said. "I actually think they'll be one of the contenders this season.
"They made the grand final last season and they've recruited really well.
"But we're coming off a good result and we're at home. We're definitely going out there for the three points."
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