Bleiberg bemoaned the aggressive tactics used by Central Coast Mariners last Friday night as his side was held to a 1-1 draw at Bluetongue stadium. 

A fired up Gold Coast coach did not pull his punches post match, particularly about the foul count.

"I've been here a few times when the Mariners try to steamroll the other team with any tactic in the world - clean or less clean," said Bleiberg. "I think they broke the record for the amount of fouls they committed.

"They are a good side and they deserved to win more than we did but if they're such a good side why do they have to use such tactics? They should compete with us in a fair fight."

In a backhander to McKinna, Blieberg condemned the Central Coast's aggressive pursuit of the football.  

"In Australia we have created our own unique football," he said. "We've developed over the years a certain type of football.

"People that want us to play Total Football like Holland make a mistake and people that want to bring Scotland Third Division to Australia also make a mistake."

However, the Central Coast boss was unapologetic for his side's desire to win the football and the game - particularly in the second 45 minutes.

"Anybody I spoke to, fans after the game, loved the commitment and passion of our boys," McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com aboard the Come Play! ferry on Sydney Harbour.

"We wanted to win. Gold Coast are sitting up top of the league and we're fighting for that sixth spot. We're not going to lay back and let anyone win.

"It was a good physical second half by both teams and we should've won it in that second half.

"In the first half, if it was a boxing match, it was two teams who never threw a punch. In the second half, we went out to win the game. And we should have won the game. You have to be able to tackle."

Clearly unimpressed by Bleiberg's comments, McKinna said they were indicative of the Gold Coast's coach's style rather than a personal attack.

He added: "I didn't even bother about them. I've heard them and he's got his opinion. He comes out every week with something - and that was this week's one.

"We won't win games kicking people. We'll win games by creating chances and playing football."

The Gosford game was indicative of a round when tackles flew in across the A-League. The Queensland derby in Townsville was fiery as was the Perth versus Wellington encounter. 

"And I think the fans are actually enjoying that side of things," said McKinna. "This time of the year you have to go out and win games."

And things could get even more fiery this weekend when seventh placed Mariners face Perth Glory in fifth spot. It's a massive game for both sides' finals aspirations - particularly the Mariners who are desperate to unseat Phoenix in sixth.

The clash in the west will feature a number of players on both sides who rarely take a step backwards - such as John Hutchinson, Matt Simon, Chris Doig, Jacob Burns and Chris Coyne.