The two sides couldn’t be separated after a game of few chances with both keepers starring for their respective times at crucial points in the derby. 

 “We had our first clean sheet, so that was important for us. We looked very solid defensively and we stopped a team that’s in good form from creating anything, apart from a a few moments,” Popovic said post-match. 

And key to the defensive display was Vedran Janjetovic, the newly signed keeper from Sydney FC.

The man of the match endured the taunts of the crowd each time he touched the ball and had his goal showered with plastic snakes in reference to his move to the Sky Blues’ rivals. 

Popovic reiterated he had no worries about the keeper handling the situation.

“Excellent. He was very assured and calm and you can just see he’s a very good keeper.”

Popovic played down the lack of a cutting edge up front, saying it was something the club was hoping to improve on.

“Sydney FC didn’t score today either,” he pointed out. "Our final ball was more of an issue rather than who was up front. So our final ball let us down but we got into their final third quite easily." 

The Wanderers coach was also adamant a first half penalty shout for Wanderers should’ve been given, saying goals change games.

"OK, if you miss the handball, OK. But how it's not a corner is just hard to understand." 

Popovic added newly signed midfielder Terry Antonis is making good progress after coming in with some fitness "issues" and could be selected in the match day squad for next week's clash with the Jets.