Mariners wary of Sky Blues after lightning display

Central Coast can't and won't simply assume Sydney FC's lowly position on the A-League Women table will guarantee an easy away victory.

The Sky Blues will seek a response when they face the Mariners at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, after they were denied a chance to end their seven-game winless run against Canberra United.

Leading 2-0 in the 53rd minute on Wednesday night, Sydney were forced to abandon the opportunity to secure a crucial three points due to lightning.

Sydney remain 11th, while their Sunday visitors are sixth in the league after a confidence-boosting 3-1 win over Western Sydney.

Still, Central Coast coach Emily Husband says her side will remain on high alert against the bottom-two team after witnessing their dominant display against Canberra.

"There's been a huge improvement from Sydney FC," Husband said on Friday.

"You always know that they're a good team. I don't think results always depict how a team plays.

"They haven't really conceded many goals. It's just that they've struggled to score goals, obviously, after losing (Matildas star) Cortnee Vine.

"We're always going to be wary of them. There's a reason why they've been up there in that top three, top four for the last 10 seasons consecutively."

Central Coast got the better of Sydney in their last meeting, kicking off the season with an emphatic 3-1 win in their semi-final rematch.

Mariners midfielder Taylor Ray is determined to keep the ledger in their favour, sniffing the end of her former club's chokehold on the competition.

"This is another chance to get momentum and keep building but also keep a team like Sydney close near the bottom of the table," Ray said.

"Sydney showed a bit more of their class (against Canberra) and what they can bring to the table.

"Even though they've had a slow start to the season, they're going to be desperate and more hungry for those points.

"We need to match that, or go beyond that."

Canberra kicks off Saturday ALW action by hosting Western Sydney before Melbourne Victory take on Perth Glory.

On Sunday, Wellington Phoenix will attempt to return to the winner's circle when they play Newcastle and Brisbane go toe-to-toe with Adelaide United.