The defending champions have taught the table-topping newcomers a lesson with Melbourne beating the Gold Coast 3-2 in a free flowing encounter at Robina Stadium.
The Gold Coast crowd was out-sung all night by the away fan contingency and their team rewarded the travelling supporters, taking all three points after United was reduced to 10 men in the 30th minute.
Steve Fitzsimmon's challenge on Leigh Broxham (which forced Broxham's substitution) was judged by referee Peter Green to be a dismissible offense. Both players were running to the ball when Fitzsimmons' lunge with two feet brought down Broxham. But the Gold Coast was already in trouble by that stage.
They started well with both attacking sides making the others defence look stupid. The best chance for Melbourne fell when Kemp skipped past the defender on the wing and put a great ball in that Archie Thompson under pressure smashed over the bar from the six-yard box.
But the Gold Coast showed the most skill when in the 18th minute Michael Thwaite, pulled some brilliant footwork to get past two defenders, unleashed Golgol Mebrahtu who himself shrugged off a challenge and passed it square to Porter who was closely marked by Kevin Muscat.
Porter did well to get between Muscat at the ball, and stopped in front of him, the Victory captain obliged willingly with a shove and as Porter went down Peter Green's hand pointed to the spot. Jason Culina stepped up to the spot and had no trouble sending Glen Moss the wrong way.
But four minutes later Melbourne drew level through the ever-dangerous Carlos Hernandez. A quick free kick from half way gave him plenty of space 30 out, Jess Vanstrattan was caught off his line and Hernandez struck it beautifully into the top corner. Give him an inch and he'll take a mile, or a goal at least.
After Fitzsimmons' dismissal the Gold Coast couldn't wait for half time. Melbourne were well on top, new recruit Kruse who came on for Broxham was playing well and Archie was a constant threat. The break didn't come fast enough though with a goal in the 43rd minute to Thompson. The cross came in a little wide and Ney Fabiano just got a touchdown for a charging Archie to finish into the far bottom corner.
But the glamour clubs marquee player wasn't going to take it lying down. Jason Culina, who was taunted by the away fans all game claiming the clubs funds could have been better spent elsewhere chanting ‘What a waste of money', decided to be proactive. He made a run down through midfield leaving defenders in his wake with Van den Brink just challenging the shot to send it for a corner. With seconds to half time Culina raced to take the corner. Joel Porter just got his head on the right angle falling away from goal and the ball went into the back of the net.
The second half was an open end-to-end affair but neither team had many clear chances. Of all of those a three fell to Gold Coast defender Kristian Rees who couldn't convert on any of them. The most prolific was when a free kick fell in front of him, he smashed the ball at point blank range only for it to be saved by Glen Moss.
But something had to give and Melbourne made the most of their one man advantage. Archie Thompson made a good run into the penalty area at full pelt when Van den Brink stuck a stupid foot out taking Thompson down. Peter Green again pointed to the spot. This time the opposite captain stepped up to the spot. The Victory fans ran down to the fence. Muscat blows it straight over the bar.
The home fans were elated until the referee blew his whistle and gave Van den Brink a yellow for encroaching on the penalty, making a run through the D before the shot was taken. Muscat took it again, this time making no mistake and giving Melbourne the late winner. The vocal away fans went off and one thing is for sure. They love taking their shirts off.
Melbourne back to their winning ways and Gold Coast are proving more and more fallible. Without Smeltz their finishing wasn't great and they need to sort out their defense before they can be true title favourites. Melbourne are on the up but their attack can be stale but if Hernandez can keep hitting these amazing bullets they are always dangerous.