Soccer: A focus on a more defensive style of play will be on the minds of the Whitsunday Football Club Premiers side after another "disappointing” loss.

WFC took on Mackay Brothers at the Whitsunday Sportspark yesterday, losing 5-1 after a difficult first half.

The clash was a deciding factor as to which side got ranked as fourth or fifth on the ladder.

WFC coach Ben Smith said the side had a common issue of "leaking goals” emphasising the importance of developing a stronger defensive game.

"They had three quick strikers we struggled to defend against,” he said.

"We had a 20 minute window in the second half where we kept possession well, we did score a goal but the damage was done by then.

"We can't let teams keep sticking out the 3-0 head start early and think we can catch up.”

Smith said the loss of captain Jayden Tween from the side had taken a toll on the team.

"We miss his speed at the back to help clean up any errors, its looking like he will miss almost the whole season but we are not quite sure,” he said.

Next week will be an away game re-match between the Brothers, where the WFC will hope to improve on the performance this week.

With six more games left in the season Smith said it was crucial to take points of other teams higher on the ladder for the WFC hope to make it to the finals.