Central Coast captain Alex Wilkinson admits the club’s rusty 2-0 defeat against Brisbane last week was the Mariners worst performance of the season.
After nearly three weeks without a match the Mariners failed to reproduce the form which had seen them surprise many during the early rounds.
Wilkinson is adamant Mariners fans will witness a more assured performance at both ends of the field against Perth at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night.
It is a crucial match for the Mariners, who have played only two matches in a frustrating month of inactivity.
“The performance against Brisbane wasn’t good enough, we all know that,” Wilkinson said.
“It was a bad day at the office and we need to improve.”
Despite last week’s loss the Mariners are still sitting in a good position, while Perth is having a horror run.
Wilkinson expects Perth coach Ian Ferguson, who spent several seasons as Lawrie McKinna’s assistant at the Mariners, to have the team fired up for a big performance.
“They’ll be a little down on confidence so the first goal is crucial,” Wilkinson said.
“If we can pinch an early goal it’ll give us a huge lift and make things pretty tough for them.”
Wilkinson is again looking forward to the prospect of marking Perth superstar Robbie Fowler.
“I’ve played him a few times and love the challenge,” Wilkinson said.
“He has done so much in the game and still has a lot to give the A-League. Around the 18 yard box he is very dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik could come off the bench against Perth after missing the Brisbane match with a stomach illness.
The club is also hopeful attacking midfielder Patricio Perez will return from an ongoing hamstring injury.
