While some have viewed the Mariners' run in as extremely hard, McKinna sees only positives.

Tomorrow's clash between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United is being billed in some quarters as the battle for ultimate top spot but the Mariners are in no mood to relinquish their trophy without a fight.

The Mariners entertain fourth-placed Queensland Roar this weekend and round off their regular season fixtures against the current top two - with a trip to Melbourne and then Adelaide United at Bluetongue.

McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "Obviously Adelaide and Melbourne have a game or so in hand but it's about getting results from your games in hand.

"They can definitely still be caught and that's what we'll be trying to do."

Should the Mariners win this weekend then it will open up a five point gap between themselves and Queensland, albeit with the latter still having a game in hand.

McKinna said: "It's huge (the Roar game) for us and especially if we win and so do Wellington. That then really puts pressure on Queensland."

As for a 'tough' run-in, McKinna would rather be up against opponents who still have the burden of pressure and expectation.

He said: "We don't play any of the bottom four and I'm not too unhappy with that.

"I've been in a situation before where I've had to play teams who had nothing to lose and they can be very dangerous.

"But we all know that every team in this league is capable of beating anyone else on its day."