Defender Alex Wilkinson believes Sydney FC can still capture the A-League premiership, despite a damaging defeat to struggling Brisbane Roar.
With Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory both staying consistent at the top of the table, the Sky Blues can ill afford to drop points.
We need to pick up points over the next nine games to get up there which we're more than capable of.
Alex Wilkinson
But their 2-1 loss at Suncorp Stadium to the Roar - who had only one win all season going into the game - was their second in three outings.
Wilkinson has vowed Steve Corica's side will "push hard" to overcome the setbacks and go on to claim a third consecutive Premiers' Plate - something that would be a league first.
"We'll have to win most of the remaining games," said Wilkinson. "By no means is it out of reach but we need to pick up points over the next nine games to get up there which we're more than capable of - we can definitely go on a run."
The Sky Blues had taken the lead against Brisbane through Danny De Silva 10 minutes into the second half.
Tobias Mikkelsen equalised for the home side and youngster Dylan Wenzel-Halls scored an injury time winner.
Both of the Roar's goals were poor ones to concede, Darren Davies' team able to capitalise on loose marking and carelessness in possession.
Wilkinson said: "We got sloppy, started giving away possession too easily and they got a bit of confidence. The first goal gave them a real boost and that was down to us taking our foot off the pedal and not being clinical enough when we needed."
The Sky Blues have three home games in their next four matches, starting with next Sunday's clash with bottom side Central Coast.
Sydney FC are 7/2 to win the Grand Final.
The Sky Blues are 1/4 to win their next game against Central Coast, who are 8/1 with the draw 11/2.
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Defender Alex Wilkinson believes Sydney FC can still capture the A-League premiership, despite a damaging defeat to struggling Brisbane Roar.
With Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory both staying consistent at the top of the table, the Sky Blues can ill afford to drop points.
We need to pick up points over the next nine games to get up there which we're more than capable of.
Alex Wilkinson
But their 2-1 loss at Suncorp Stadium to the Roar - who had only one win all season going into the game - was their second in three outings.
Wilkinson has vowed Steve Corica's side will "push hard" to overcome the setbacks and go on to claim a third consecutive Premiers' Plate - something that would be a league first.
"We'll have to win most of the remaining games," said Wilkinson. "By no means is it out of reach but we need to pick up points over the next nine games to get up there which we're more than capable of - we can definitely go on a run."
The Sky Blues had taken the lead against Brisbane through Danny De Silva 10 minutes into the second half.
Tobias Mikkelsen equalised for the home side and youngster Dylan Wenzel-Halls scored an injury time winner.
Both of the Roar's goals were poor ones to concede, Darren Davies' team able to capitalise on loose marking and carelessness in possession.
Wilkinson said: "We got sloppy, started giving away possession too easily and they got a bit of confidence. The first goal gave them a real boost and that was down to us taking our foot off the pedal and not being clinical enough when we needed."
The Sky Blues have three home games in their next four matches, starting with next Sunday's clash with bottom side Central Coast.
Sydney FC are 7/2 to win the Grand Final.
The Sky Blues are 1/4 to win their next game against Central Coast, who are 8/1 with the draw 11/2.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com