Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna is expecting one of the toughest games of the season when the Mariners host Wellington at Gosford on Sunday.
After a slow start to the season the New Zealand side is coming off impressive performances in its past two matches.
The visitors will come to Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford full of confidence and primed for an upset.
McKinna knows a below par performance could see his team lose its hold on fourth place.
When the teams last met in New Zealand the Mariners had to settle for a share of the points after missing a series of chances.
“The last time we met them we could have won it by three or four goals,” McKinna said.
“This is a very big game for us. They’re a on a high after some good performances.”
“We need to start well and finish off our chances.”
The Mariners have strikers in form with Matt Simon and Sasho Petrvovski forming a deadly partnership up front.
Meanwhile, an intense training session on Friday will determine whether goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is fit to play in his final match for the Mariners.
The shot-stopper has been battling a hamstring injury for three weeks and is desperate to end his stint with the club on a high. With Danny Vukovic back from suspension McKinna has plenty of options at goalkeeper.
Midfielder John Hutchinson is also back from a toe injury and is expected to feature on Sunday.
