Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity was 'Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'

An inability to hold a consistent line and a general lack of defensive awareness hurt the Mariners for the seventh time out of eight occassions they've taken the lead this season - throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose to Melbourne Victory 3-2.

This raises the inevitable question, what is Mike Mulvey doing about it?

His options seem a little limited with an inexperienced backline and a tactical approach that requires roaming fullbacks.

If Central Coast play a high line, they're caught out regularly on the break, if they sit deep, they're ineffective in dealing with crosses and unable to man-mark effectively. 

What the Mariners possess, however, is phenomenal effort and moments of quality both in midfield and down the flanks. Andrew Hoole's two sensational free kicks were a highlight of his season.

However Victory, who looked lethargic and uncomfortable in the first half, put on a calm, measured display in the second. James Troisi showed a solid display and gave Melbourne the lead, before a mistake from Ben Kennedy and a cool breakaway from Kosta Barbarouses rounded out the match.

"We're good enough to come back from 2-0 down, we performed well and gave it all," new Victory starlet, Elvis Kamsoba - who immediately impacted the match upon his second half introduction - claimed afterwards.

"When I get the chance to take them on, that's what I do.

As for Hoole, the midfielder can have little problem with his own performance. But he's well-aware that this is quickly becoming an unsustainable pattern.

"It's so disappointing, the first half we dominated. Two goals up, every single week this happens.

"It's not good enough."