Football
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Central Coast Mariners are their own 'worst enemy' - Paul Okon

Fast-starting but lowly positioned A-League club Central Coast are sometimes their own worst enemy, according to coach Paul Okon.

But he would still rather they had a lead to relinquish than chase games from behind.

Heading into Saturday's away match against Wellington Phoenix, the ninth-placed Mariners have led in all six of their seven games in which there's been a goal, but have won only once.

"I think it's a combination of many things," Okon said on Thursday.

"It's certainly not a lack of desire. I can't fault the players on that.

"When you are winning the game, the opposition is always going to maybe take a few risks and lift intensity.

"At times we haven't dealt with that, we've forced things and probably been our own worst enemy.

"It's been disappointing in that regard because we should have more points.

"But I'd be worrying a lot more if it was the other way round and there was six games where we weren't the team to score first.

"We know that it's an area that we must improve because if we can be better in it then we're going to be winning more football games."

Spanish striker Asdrubal, who missed last week's game with a heel injury, has been named in the squad.

However, Josh Rose, who was a late withdrawal from that match with a calf problem is still injured, along with fellow fullback Storm Roux.

The Mariners will be bolstered by the return from suspension of skipper Alan Baro.

The Phoenix are the only side below them on the A-League ladder but the Mariners haven't won in Wellington for five years.

"It's a long travel for us and we're going a day earlier to make sure that we prepare as best as we can and we've got plenty of energy," Okon said.

"It's never an easy place to try and take the points but we feel that we're playing well enough."

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