Wanderers came from a goal down to secure just their second home win of the season and move up to seventh on the A-League ladder.

It was the perfect way to kick off the New Year and lay to rest some of the ghosts from last round's 4-0 hammering by Newcastle Jets.

"There's been a lot of self reflection over the last couple of days for the team and a lot of looking in the mirror and asking ourselves are we doing everything we can," Cornthwaite told Fox Sports.

"I think tonight the boys really rolled their sleeves up and put in a true Wanderers performance which has been missing of late."

City opened the scoring through Ross McCormack (25') but two quick fire goals from Oriol Riera (30') and Mark Bridge (32') put Wanderers on track for just their second home win of the season.

Cornthwaite brought Scott Jamieson down in the box and had Vedran Janjetovic to thank after the goalkeeper pulled off a stunning diving save to deny McCormack from the penalty spot in the 40th minute. 

It was a nervy second half from the home side but while City had the better of the play they rarely tested Janjetovic, that is until deep in stoppage time when a Luke Brattan free kick brought out another athletic save from the Wanderers custodian.

Cornthwaite said unlike previous games the side refused to drop their heads after going behind.

"I think the response was fantastic to get a goal and then a second so quick after that - it was very pleasing,' he said.

"I'm not going to shy away from it - things haven't been good. But hopefully (the win) takes a bit of pressure off the boys and gives us confidence because I think there's a lot of confidence to be taken from that."