Central Coast coach Paul Okon says the Mariners must maximise their limited resources and not dwell on their inexperience following Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix.
The Mariners fell to a second heavy defeat in the space of two weeks in Hamilton as Wellington led from as early as the second minute.
REPORT: Phoenix power past Mariners in Hamilton
Okon was again without captain Nick Montgomery and fellow midfield veteran Mickael Tavares but wasn’t prepared to absolve his young side of blame.
“I don’t think experience was the reason why we concede after 90 seconds,” Okon said.
“It makes it difficult if you’re going to do that and we keep doing it.
“It’s no secret we’re lacking experience at the moment. We’ve got some kids, we need to use them.
“In between us getting to that point where we can really look at strengthening the team there is going to be these situations and results.”
Despite boasting over 60% of possession the visitors rarely troubled Wellington and could only manage a single shot on target as they slipped back to eighth on the ladder.
“I thought for 60 minutes we were quite good, we were probably the better side. I think we dominated without really threatening,” Okon said.
“We fought hard, we tried hard but we go home with no points and Wellington deserve their victory.”
