Durose was impressive in recording a clean sheet in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Sydney Olympic.

The match was the goalkeeper's first since he was replaced by Luke Kairies prior to the round six game against Blacktown.

Read more: Traditional powers leading the push for national second division

While disappointed to be dropped, Durose said it motivated him to improve his craft and return to the starting lineup.

"It was disappointing getting dropped, but it pushed me to work harder," Durose said. "It gave me a bit more of a drive as well in the last couple of weeks at training.

"I just put my head down and put the work in to try make my way back into the starting side.

"This week Luke (Wilkshire) told me I was back in and to do what I do, be confident, talk to the guys and keep a clean sheet. We did that, so it was good to see we did the job well."

Having led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a Takeru Okada goal, the Wolves spent much of the second half defending as Sydney Olympic attempted to level the scores.

The team's defence remained organised, preventing the visitors from generating many quality chances.

The pressure resulted in numerous speculative shots, while Durose was up to the task the few times he was called on.

Wollongong coach Luke Wilkshire was impressed with the way his keeper responded to getting dropped a fortnight ago and challenged Durose to add another clean sheet to his name next week.

"I told Hayden this is his chance to keep his spot," Wilkshire said. "It's simple, keepers are no different to anyone else. Everyone has to earn their spot and keep it through their performances.

"I wanted to see clean sheets from him and that's what he did on Sunday. Now I want to see him play with confidence, I want to see his decision making, his game management.

"When to throw, when to kick, those little things that you gain with experience."

The win saw the Wolves climb to fourth on a congested ladder with three games to play.

Sydney United 58 sit on top of the table with 18 points, ahead of Rockdale on 17, Olympic on 16 and Wollongong on 15. Marconi and Sydney FC are both on 13 points.

The Wolves close out the season with matches against Western Sydney, Sydney FC and Manly United.

With the premiership within reach, Durose is confident his side can climb to the top of the table.

"That's the ultimate goal," Durose said. "If we keep playing like we did on Sunday, I'm pretty sure we should be able to finish on top.

"We should be leading the league with the players and the quality we have in the team, so that's the goal."