"Yeah we've had some bad weeks, but it's about the reality," he said.

"When you sit and look back at the reality, the reality is we're 55 points. We've scored 57 goals and conceded 20. 

"After a couple of losses, these boys aren't used to losing. They've got four or five losses in 56 games."

Sydney took their foot off the pedal against a vigilant, but underpowered Central Coast side in the final half-hour, which could have been embarassing had Simon not pinched a late winner.

The win, coupled with Newcastle's 5-2 thumping against Adelaide United gives Sydney breathing space at the top of the table. 

"Mariners gave a huge performance and I thought for the first 60 minutes we were great," he said.

"The last 30 minutes we got tired, that's something we'll look at again. Matt Simon, it's just deserved for the guy, he works hard for the team and knows his role."