Speaking before training this morning at the SFS, Slovak midfielder Karol Kisel conceded such a style was not what Sydney FC was about.

"We need to improve in this. I think we will, we need to play more short balls. I think it was an exception in this game," he said.

"We can improve for sure. But seven points from three matches is not a bad start and we need to confirm it this week. We need a win and we will have ten points so it will be a really good start, so I'm not disappointed."

Statistics showed long balls out of sky blues' defence were greater in number than the Mariners in last week's 0-0 draw in Gosford.

It was a surprise to many in what turned out to be a game that only ignited in the final minutes with the penalty drama involving Clint Bolton's heroics.

Coach Vitezslav Lavicka echoed those comments saying the Mariners' game plan forced Sydney to stop playing out from the back. But he added players need to make the right decisions on the park.

"We analysed that during the week and we are going to play different than last week," he promised.

"Our players need to recognise when to use the long ball and when to use the short ball. Balance, yes, try to use the right ball at the right moment and right decision.

"That's important, we spoke about it and I believe, and we believe, we will do it better next time."

The Czech coach was also pressed on the upcoming clash between the Young Socceroos and Czech Republic at next month's U/20 World Cup.

Given Australia is expected to field a number of Sydney FC youngsters, including the exciting Kofi Danning, would Lavicka offer his expertise to FFA on the Czechs?

Or would he be the inside man for his homeland and offer them tips on how to stop the young Aussies?

Lavicka, however, wasn't keen to get involved in helping either nation: "I'm helping Sydney FC, I'm coach of Sydney FC," he said.

"But I know it is a very interesting game. Czech U/20 national team is very strong and skilful but I think Australian Socceroos is a very good team as well. Kofi is a good player, like Matty Jurman and Chris Payne.

"Let's see, I'm curious about the game."