The Wanderers narrowly escaped a sensational upset in the Cup against amateur outfit Hellenic Athletic when a Roly Bonevacia goal in injury time spared their brushes in with 4-3 win.

Riera scored twice in the tense victory, which sees them into the round of 16 against Bonnyrigg White Eagles.

The Spaniard believes the heat and humidity played a part in affecting Western Sydney’s performance in Darwin, in what was new coach Markus Babbel’s first official game in charge.

"It was very tough, it was very tough,” he told FourFourTwo.

"When you arrive the day before the game, we felt the humidity and a bad sensation, bad feelings, when we played.

"In the game in the first half, and more in the second half, we have this humidity and for us it was very difficult.

"But it wasn’t what I thought was the best game, but we are ready for the next round. That’s the most important thing. The team is building, the team is learning a new style and a new way to play, so we have time to improve."

Seven players left in the club in the off-season including Michael Thwaite, Jack Clisby and Brendon Santalab. Seven new players have been signed with the likes of Patrick Ziegler and Bruce Kamau, with more expected.

Riera, who joined Wanderers from Deportivo La Coruna last year, is happy with how the club’s preparations for the new season are going.

"Pre-season has been good, we have two more months to go,” the 32-year-old said.

"The squad is not complete, it’s very a long pre-season so we have to manage as best we can and stay in the best condition."