Lolley sweet on derby atmosphere

The former Nottingham Forest star is relishing the prospect of the Sky Blues’ grudge match with Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening.

“I scored a couple of goals in derbies in the UK and its always a great opportunity to play in any derby match and now the Sydney derby is next up,” Lolley mentioned.

“The atmosphere and the crowd make you feel like it is a proper, proper game that means a lot.”

The Sky Blues and the Wanderers have already met twice this season, and with the ledger standing at one win apiece, bragging rights are on the road this weekend.

“Both games could’ve gone either way and there has been a bit of drama, bit of tension and when the stadium is packed you love the noise it generates,” Lolley mentioned.

“When it’s full or even close to full, it’s just brilliant.”

The Sky Blues suffered a late blow within the build-up, with their bid to halve midfielder Max Burgess’ two-game suspension for violent conduct having failed.

Burgess, who was despatched off in Sydney’s 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory on March 4 after lashing out together with his foot at Victory substitute Bruce Kamau, missed his aspect’s 1-0 away loss to Wellington Phoenix final Sunday.

He may also be sidelined on Saturday evening after Football Australia’s impartial disciplinary and ethics committee dominated towards the Sky Blues’ argument that “exceptional circumstances” ought to apply.

Sydney FC chief govt cfficer Adam Santo mentioned: “Naturally, we are disappointed.

“We believed we had an extremely strong case and we did all that we could to put forward a very compelling argument as to why Max’s sanction should be reviewed.

“Unfortunately, the committee have made their decision this evening which is disappointing for Max, but we will move on and will use it as motivation heading into Saturday’s huge Sydney derby.”