Western Sydney Wanderers must be more ruthless in front of goal if they're to finally kick-start their stuttering A-League season against the Central Coast Mariners, says Wanderers defender Scott Neville.
After eight rounds the Wanderers have five draws and one win.
Last weekend they produced arguably their strongest 45 minutes of football in the second half against a flat Brisbane Roar, yet even with 19 shots on goal could not inflict the killer blow.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't put away the chances we created but it was our best performance of the season so far, defensively and offensively," Neville said.
"But we've still got to limit the mistakes because they had another chance where they could have punished us.
"We've just got to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal."
Saturday's trip to Gosford presents an opportunity to put to bed any doubts last year's grand finalists can match their promising performances with results.
They only met the Mariners four weeks ago, when a defensive blunder squandered an early lead at Spotless Stadium and handed their visitors a 1-1 draw.
Tony Popovic's side have undoubtedly stitched up some issues since then but they'll also face a Mariners side riding on the confidence of last weekend's 2-0 home upset of Perth Glory that's lifted them one spot ahead of the seventh-placed Wanderers.
Neville said three points were now crucial, one week before hosting Melbourne Victory and embarking on a busy Christmas period.
"This really has to start our season and get it rolling," he said.
"Last year when we went up there it felt like we were playing at home we had that many fans travel - they put the Mariners fans to shame.
"They're the 12th man for us so we need to get the win for them, but also to start rocketing up that table like we did last season."