Central Coast manager Nick Montgomery says his side's defensive shortcomings won't be solved overnight, but he remains bullish that they will soon turn a corner.
The Mariners return to Gosford on Saturday where they face A-League Men rivals Sydney FC for the second time this year.
Both sets of fans are expected to stage a walkout protest following the news that Sydney had been awarded the rights to host the grand final for the next three years.
On the pitch, however, Montgomery is searching for some more solidity of his own.
The Mariners have only kept one clean sheet so far this season, after seeing first-choice right-back Lewis Miller and centre back Kye Rowles depart for the Scottish premiership over the off-season.
Complicating matters has been that centre back Dan Hall only got through 90 minutes for the first time last week and Vanuatu international Brian Kaltack sat out last week's loss to Newcastle with suspension.
"We need to tighten up in that area for sure," Montgomery said.
"That's something that we've been working on.
"But to be honest, the goals we've given away have mostly been individual mistakes.
"We create a lot of opportunities but we concede goals and have to chase games and it's always going to be difficult (to win from that position).
"Last season we conceded at the start, but once we settled down it was a lot more solid."
Montgomery confirmed forward Paul Ayongo was unlikely to feature with a hamstring issue, but that World Cup trio Jason Cummings, Garang Kuol and Danny Vukovic were back to full fitness.
"They've been a lot better this week, they were all jet-lagged and there was a stomach bug which swept through everybody," Montgomery said.
"That's not an excuse, that can't be controlled but we've had a full week with no distractions.
"Other than Paul we should have a clean bill of health for the first time this year."
