Paulo Retre conceded the gods where with Sydney FC on Saturday night as their late win over Central Coast Mariners has the club within touching distance of the Premiership.
Matt Simon’s stoppage-time goal handed the Sky Blues a 2-1 win in Gosford, meaning they need just one more point from the final three games to secure back-to-back Premiers’ Plates.
It would be the first time in Hyundai A-League history a club has won the Premiership in consecutive years.
SEE ALL THE GOALS AND RE-LIVE THE MATCH HERE
Speaking with Fox Sports after the match, Retre was relieved his side has snapped their four-game winless run.
“On another day we get hard done by and they don’t go in but today, god bless, it went in,” said Retre, who set up both goals for Graham Arnold’s side.
“We’re just really happy to get the three points and we’re three points closer to winning the title now.
“Everybody knows it’s hard with the [AFC] Champions League, it’s not an excuse, it’s just reality,” the versatile Retre added.
“It’s just really exciting to win and now we look on to the next game.”
The Sky Blues will wrap up the title if they can avoid defeat in Perth against Glory on Thursday night.
For the Mariners, it was another case of late heartbreak for the side after what was a tumultuous week for the club.
Coach Paul Okon quit his post during the week, with Wayne O’Sullivan taking the interim reins until the end of the season.
“It’s been a big week and a tough week for the boys as well,” attacker Connor Pain said.
“To go level in that game and, realistically, they only had two chances on goal where they whipped the ball into the box and they scored two goals.
“From that perspective we’re disappointed. It’s just a shame. You want to win every week.
“At least we were competitive but that’s not enough.”
The defeat leaves the Mariners in ninth spot on the ladder ahead of a trip to Brisbane next Saturday night.
