Newcastle Jets boss Arthur Papas says his side now have to win their remaining five games to have any chance of playing finals.
The Jets are out to make the top six and play finals after their hopes suffered a setback with a late and dramatic 2-1 defeat against Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Uphill battle
Nick D’Agostino had put Victory ahead before the Jets got back on level terms on 65 minutes thanks to a strike from Savvas Siatravanis.
However their hearts were broken at the death when Francesco Margiotta popped up to grab the winner for Tony Popovic’s side.
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The result now means there is no margin for error as the Jets sit seven points behind the top six with five games remaining.
"You'll need to win all five to have a chance, that's even to have a chance still," Papas said after the game. "So that's what it's going to have to be and if not, we're going to have to do our best to the end of the season regardless."
Rallying call
Papas has also told his players there is no time to feel sorry for themselves and they have to get ready to go again.
"We don't have the time (to think about heartbreak)," Papas added. "We haven't had the time to think about many games because before you know it you're onto the next one.
"There will be a sleepless night tonight, which is the usual, and tomorrow the main thing is to pick (the squad) up."
