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Manager Nick Montgomery is back on deck as the Central Coast Mariners head to Mudgee to take on Macarthur Bulls in the A-League Men.

Central Coast boss Nick Montgomery says he has to learn to control his emotions as he returns to the dugout for the Mariners' A-League Men meeting with Macarthur.

The Mariners head to Mudgee on Saturday with Montgomery back in charge of his side after serving a one-game suspension.

The Englishman was sent off in a draw against Wellington for stepping outside of his technical area.

It meant he was forced to watch the Mariners' 2-0 loss to Western Sydney from the stands with his side falling to fourth spot.

"I missed last week, maybe I'll just have to put my hands in my pockets because you can't throw your arms up now without getting sent off," he said.

"I've got to learn... but I'm passionate. I kick every ball on the sideline and I want to protect the team.

"Last week I didn't enjoy it. It's not a nice feeling and I can't wait to get back in the dugout this week."

Montgomery still maintains that officials have overreacted this season.

His centre back Brian Kaltak is still absent after being sent off for the third time this season.

Winger Beni Nkololo and Brazilian forward Moresche have also picked up suspensions for violent conduct.

"I genuinely think we've had some really harsh red cards," Montgomery said.

"Brian has been punished for three yellow card offences in my eyes.

"I think two rounds ago (we saw) the most red cards ever in the A-League (across a season) and I think there have been another three or four since then."

Macarthur will be aiming to put the Mariners' ill-discipline to the test on Saturday.

The Bulls are coming off a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Brisbane Roar and they can potentially move into the top six with a win this weekend.

"Mile Sterjovski is a great friend of mine but everyone is trying to win games and it's really tight on the table," said Montgomery, whose side are winless in their last three outings.

"We know we could've had a lot more points over the last few weeks and now we're in the pack with everybody else.

"It's important now that we keep picking up points."