Mariners hope to bolster A-League ranks

Tony Walmsley hopes new signings could help Central Coast kick on from scoring in matches to winning them.

The Mariners kept up their record of scoring in every match this season against Melbourne Victory on Thursday night.

The problem was Victory were already out of sight after two stunning first-half Gui Finkler goals.

Central Coast found a late reply through Matt Sim's neat header but remain stranded in the A-League's bottom three with the 2-1 result.

Worse still, the Mariners have a new concern after Mitch Austin's first-half foot injury.

The powerfully-built winger played through the pain of a suspected broken foot before being subtituted at half-time.

"His foot's twice his size and he'll be going for scans," Walmsley said.

A poor diagnosis could lead the club to re-assessing transfer priorities, currently focussed on a new centre-back and central midfielder.

The 49-year-old said he would announce a defensive signing this week. Several state league triallists are also in Gosford this week.

With Liam Reddy was still cast adrift, another goalkeeper is also a priority.

The club is frustrated at not being able to bring out Czech underage-international goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek from twinned English Premier League club Everton.

FFA regulations prevent the signing of international teenagers - Stanek turns 20 in April - meaning the club is likely to turn to a local gloveman to provide competition for Paul Izzo.

Walmsley a loss at the home of the champions wouldn't dampen spirits ahead of their next match, a visit from Western Sydney on Sunday week.

"It's not the end of the world, we're not going to get doom and gloom about it," he said.

"We're juggling a thin squad. We're driving them every day. Today was a step too far but we've got Wanderers at home next week and I can't wait. Bring it on."