Wollongong Wolves chasing consistency as APIA Leichhardt test looms

Days after a gritty 1-0 victory over Sydney Olympic, the side was dismantled 5-0 by Blacktown City.

Such inconsistency has plagued the Wolves season, the team sitting eighth on the ladder after eight games.

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Wollongong will have the opportunity to return to form with an away trip to APIA Leichhardt on Friday night, the coach hopeful it is the first of a run of improved performances.

"If you look at the desperation and hunger we had on the Wednesday, it wasn't matched on the Sunday," Wilkshire said. "For me it's disappointing because that's the bare minimum.

"The response this week has been positive. We know we can't change what has been, we can only control the controllables and that's what's in front of us, what we do on Friday night."

Wilkshire has made a number of changes to the side for Friday's clash, with Marcus Beattie suspended for one match after receiving a red card last week.

The attacker will be replaced by Nav Darjani, who will make his first start for the top squad. Also on debut is 17-year-old Jacob Garner, the coach confident the pair will handle the step up.

"Jacob has come from Yass, he's been training with us for a couple of years and has been performing well in the under 20s. He has an intelligent football brain and is technically good, so he gets his opportunity at right back.

"Nav will bring creativity up front, he's got quick feet, can create, can score and is exciting to watch."