The result keeps Gold Coast in third place on the National Youth League ladder, but they missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Central Coast Mariners and second-placed Perth Glory.

The game was off to a dramatic start when Adelaide were awarded a penalty inside the first minute. Lloyd Owusu's penetrating run into the box was halted by Zac Anderson's challenge and Reds' skipper Matthew Mullen duly converted the resulting spot kick to give the visitors an early lead.

It took United time to settle into the game, but as the half wore on the home side began to play more confidently, with Tahj Minniecon and Chris Harold a constant threat.

Midway through the first period United were denied twice by the woodwork. First, Minniecon's burst of pace led to Harold setting up Barisic, whose shot rebounded back off the upright then struck Adelaide 'keeper Mark Birighitti on the head before bobbling to safety.

Then from the resulting corner, Chris Harold hooked a shot towards goal only to watch in frustration as it cannoned into the crossbar.

Richard Greer fizzed a long-range effort just over and Matt Osman did the same as Gold Coast began to dominate without reward, but they were stung with a critical blow just before the break when the visitors doubled their lead.

Francesco Monterosso did the damage, smashing a 20-metre drive that was too hot to handle for Jerrad Tyson in the United goal.

Determined to reduce the deficit, Gold Coast were out of the blocks strongly at the start of the second period. Matt Osman tried his luck from distance, then Chris Harold had a strong penalty claim turned down after he was clattered in the box by Birighitti.

Substitute James Brown was beginning to pull the strings in midfield for the home side and shot inches wide before setting up Harold who only missed the target by the same margin.

Despite trailing from the opening minute, the home side continued to press for a way back into the game, but Adelaide's well organised defence, marshalled by Robert Cornthwaite, held firm. 

The result was tough on Gold Coast, who not only battled bravely against an Adelaide outfit containing first team regulars Cornthwaite, Paul Reid, Inseob Shin and Lloyd Owusu, but dominated possession for long periods. Steven Topalovic in particular can be delighted with his performance, having won the physical battle against the strong and experienced Owusu.