"We came down here to get a result – at least a draw, but to get the win after scoring early was very satisfying," he said.

"The difference between this performance and last season is that we would have buckled under pressure last season, but there were heroics all over the park tonight.

"Getting three points in Sydney, in our first game in front of the Members and the fans that came down is absolutely brilliant."

The Mariners’ focus now turns to their opening home match of the new season next Friday with McKinna quick to point out that his charges will not have it any easier against the Wellington Phoenix in seven days time.

"You need to get off to a good start, last year we didn’t score until the fifth round – getting three points in Sydney sets us up for a great week next week," said McKinna.

"The game against Wellington is going to be just as hard as tonight, that’s our focus now, we’ll be totally switched on to beating them and we certainly won’t be taking them easily because they’re a good team."

The Mariners will play their first Hyundai A-League 2007/08 match at Bluetongue Stadium next Friday, 31 August, when they welcome the challenge of newcomers the Wellington Phoenix. Kick off is at 8pm.