The Reds set up a Cup final showdown with Sydney FC on November 21 thanks to goals in each half from Johan Absalonsen (13') and Daniel Adlung (58').

Wanderers dominated the game at Campelltown Stadium, but could only muster a penalty, earned and converted by Brendon Santalab when the super sub fired off a cheeky Panenka in one of the few bright spots for the home side.

Post-match Foxe denied there was any hangover from the 2-2 Sydney Derby on Saturday night.

"We moved the ball with great energy, we found spaces in wide areas and we had numerous opportunities but unfortunately we give a goal away and then you've got to a climb a mountain," he told Fox Sports.

"With that performance for the majority of the game I don't see a derby hangover. We dominated in all parts - I don't know what the stats say, I don't know what the possession stats say - but at then end of the day we lost 2-1 and they're the stats that count."

The injury-depleted Reds played captain Isaias deep to suport young centrebacks Jordan Elsey and Ben Warland. And while the tactic surprised Foxe, the coach said the Wanderers were unable to capitalise on the opportunities it presented.

"Defensively we weren't expecting that to be honest but then that gave us a lot of room in the wide areas and to actually keep and retain the ball but we just didn't do enough with it in the final third," he said.

Foxe alluded to the departure of coach Tony Popovic on the eve of the A-League season to underline the fortitude of the player group going forward.

"We've got men there," he said. "We've got a real resilient group. Everyone was saying there's problems when there's a change of staff. But the players respond, they respond everyday.

"They'll be hurting now, of course everyone's hurting. It's not easy to take but they'll respond and they'll be ready to take on Newcastle (on Sunday). 

"The players will bounce back from this. They're a good group, they're a strong group, they're a resilient group and no doubt they'll be ready to go again in four to five days."