The scoreline didn't quite reflect the true nature of this match as Central Coast Mariners were beaten by top-of-the-table Melbourne Victory.

Lawrie McKinna's Mariners dominated for a huge chunk of the first half but had a cruel streak of bad luck in front of goal, while the Victory were clinical in taking the chances they had.

"We got beaten 3-nil, but we can't believe it," said the Mariners' manager. "They were clinical in that front third, we weren't."

All three goals came in the second half. Carlos Hernandez netted the opener and Matthew Kemp added the second before Central Coast's miserable day was completed when Nigel Boogaard beat his own goalkeeper when trying to clear.

The Mariners drop to fifth in the table but McKinna is still confident of a top two finish:

"It's always achievable, but it's going to be hard. With the results this season, anyone who gets into the top six is going to be in with a shout because everybody has been taking points off each other.

"It is a long way but we have to believe that we can get in there," said McKinna.

The Mariners' next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Brisbane Roar on Saturday.