The Northern Irishman's three games in charge of Harry Kewell, Archie Thompson and co have seen a 4-1 loss and two frustrating draws including Thursday's when Sydney fought back from 2-0 down.

``We've got to step up to the mark,'' said Magilton, whose side faces Gold Coast United in Launceston tonight before a derby with Melbourne Heart on Saturday.

``We were disappointed not to pick up all three points last week but now we're all fit and ready to go.

``It's going to be a big week with a certain amount of pressure but Victory are a big club and you've got to be able to manage that.''

Asked how he had found his first three games in charge, Magilton added: ``Really enjoyable. I wish the results were a bit better but I knew what I was getting into and knew I had to hit the ground running.''

Victory captain Adrian Leijer has also dubbed his team as the season's biggest under-achiever while opponent Gold Coast is looking to reverse a bizarre campaign which has left it bottom of the table but still mathematically capable of making the finals.

Tasmanian soccer officials said yesterday's arrival of former Liverpool forward Kewell should be the trigger for ticket sales to take off for tonight's match.

Event manager Noda Zissis said about 4500 had been sold yesterday and he was hoping for at least 7000 in the realigned venue which will have a restricted capacity of 10,000.

``A lot of people have been talking about it once it was confirmed that Harry was coming,'' he said.

``Now they realise he's going to be here the hype we anticipated is starting to build.''

Football Federation Tasmania CEO John Boulous added: ``Excitement is definitely building.''

Victory - the league's draw specialist - should be unchanged from the side which played Sydney while United coach Miron Bleiberg expects to name the same team which was due to face Central Coast on Friday before the game was rained off.