Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque says his team has no more margin for error in the A-League and must beat bottom-placed Central Coast Mariners on Saturday to re-emerge as genuine contenders.

In an honest summation of his club's fortunes thus far, Brosque admitted Sydney are far from playing the football they've worked towards and a poor run of results before the half-way point of the season is already hindering thier chances of a title.

Brought down: Andrew Hoole of Sydney FC, here tackled by Phoenix's Albert Riera, also failed to convert a crucial penalty. Credit:Hagen Hopkins

It is far from panic stations at Sydney FC's training ground at Macquarie University but the club knows they have little time for wasted opportunities if they're to make something of their season. The club has been denied four points in two weeks by last-minute penalties, extending their unenviable record to just one win in seven games.

While the nature of the defeats present a sense of injustice for the club, Brosque says his team needs to move past finding excuses and take ownership of their own form.