Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna believes his side is still in the hunt to progress to the preliminary final even though they are taking a two-goal disadvantage into the semi-final return leg.

The Mariners have lost their last four matches including last Friday's 2-0 loss to Queensland Roar in the first leg but McKinna has faith in the character and spirit of his charges.

"We've showed a lot of times over the years we've got great fighting spirit and can come back from tough situations," McKinna said.

"Our performance in the first leg wasn't great so we need to show a lot of improvement.

"But I'm confident we can play much better and put a lot of pressure on Queensland in front of their fans.

"We won't be going out and trying to score every time we've got the ball," he added.

"If they score early it's all but over. But if we can hold them out we're in it.

"Even if we score with 10 minutes to go they'll have all the pressure on them."