Okon said it was down to “key moments” where his team was punished stating his team may have had different results should certain incidents had gone their way.

The Mariners fell 4-1 to a 10-man Western Sydney Wanderers outfit on Saturday with the mentor lamenting wasted opportunities.

“We could’ve easily gone in at 2-2 against the Wanderers at the break or even in front, we had the better opportunities in the first half and it doesn’t happen,” Okon said.

“It’s a different game and they’re moments so far this season… we haven’t been decisive enough - that cutting edge.

“Certainly games where we’ve lost, but also where we’ve won… key moments against Perth at home, Paulie’s (Paul Izzo) made a great save after five minutes in and that could’ve changed the game, but we go and win it (2-0)… so that’s the key moment.

“It’s been a big reason why we don’t have more points, we’re a third of a way through the season and it’s an area we must improve if we’re serious about challenging for finals, you can only hope for the next game it doesn’t happen.”

The Mariners travel to Hamilton, New Zealand, to take on 10th-placed Wellington Phoenix in Round 10.

Their opponent is going through a rebuilding phase after the resignation of experienced coach Ernie Merrick.

Captain Nick Montgomery (hamstring) is in doubt while Mickael Tavares (ankle) is in Europe receiving treatment for his injury.

Okon said he was not afraid of throwing youngsters in the deep end with Trent Buhagiar, Adam Berry and Liam Rose all in contention to start against the Phoenix.

“I don’t really look at their ages, they’re in the squad because they’re good enough, not because they’re young players,” he said.

“They have to perform and be at the level in training, if they do that then they’re a chance of playing which is what’s happening.

“They know, understand and are improving, if you look beyond this season it’s great for the club we are exposing these younger players to as many A-League games as possible.

“There are times where experience counts for a lot and losing Monty and Micky in any game will hurt you.

“It’s part of the process, no whinging from our side, I’m certain the team which will be selected for Saturday will be competitive.”