Amor worried by Reds' poor start after 2-1 A-League loss to Mariners

Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor admitted he is concerned about his side's poor start to the season following their 2-1 loss to a Connor Pain-inspired Central Coast.

Sunday's Hindmarsh Stadium defeat was the Reds' fourth in a row. All have ended 2-1 and two have involved conceding in stoppage time.

The result leaves last season's champions bottom of the table after round five and the only team without a win.

Amor conceded the start had been poor and the Mariners match presented the best chance so far to break the duck.

"I prefer to win always ... my mentality is always to win," he said.

"The important thing is to now think for Friday (against Brisbane Roar).

"We need a victory, we need three points now - I think today was the day but it was not possible."

The Reds were impressive in the first half and enjoyed a host of chances, including hitting the upright, before Spanish striker Sergi Guardiola converted a spot kick on 27 minutes to give United a 1-0 lead.

Tarek Elrich should have made it 2-0 on the stroke of half time but squandered his one-on-one chance against Mariners keeper Paul Izzo.

Amor again lamented missed opportunities after Central Coast dominated the second half, scoring twice thanks to a classy finish from Roy O'Donovan after Pain's set-up and then a bullet-like long-range winner from the 22-year-old forward.

"I think it's true that in the first half we play very well," Amor said.

"1-0 is open and when the game is open in the A-League with these teams, it's dangerous."

"Today, the second half wasn't good."

Mariners' coach Paul Okon celebrated the club's first win since January 30 when they beat Wellington 3-1 in Christchurch.

The former Socceroo heaped praise on his side's stunning second half fight back.

"I think it's 281 or 282 days since the club last won a football game," Okon said.

"For us it's a big reward, not only for the players but for the staff back home, our supporters and members that have continued to support the club and the team throughout this period.

"We were more on the front foot, we were more positive.

"We were very much in control for much of that second half."

AAP