Explosive midfielder Travis Dodd scored a second half hat trick, while striker Robbie Younis, who is currently trialling with The Reds, did his prospects of securing a permanent contract no harm with a classy strike.

The trial match gave United Coach Aurelio Vidmar the first chance to see his new squad in a competitive encounter, and he would have reason to feel optimistic after the 90 minutes against Para Hills.

New Brazilian signings Alemao and Cristiano both looked sharp from the outset, Alemao providing plenty of dash and flair down the right hand side. Fellow new signing Scott Jamieson was also lively, the 19 year old keen to state his claim for a place in the starting eleven.

Also impressive was the return of marquee striker Paul Agostino, who missed a large part of last season through injury, the former Socceroo getting through without a problem. Defensive duo Cassio and Michael Valkanis also made successful returns in their first appearances since overcoming knee injuries.

The match also gave supporters a first glimpse at goalkeeper Mark Birighitti who, at just 17 years of age, showed he has a safe pair of hands and why he comes to Adelaide so highly regarded.

After a scoreless opening half that United controlled for the majority, it was Para Hills who opened the scoring after the break when Stephen Stam latched onto a cross to beat goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic with a header.

The Reds then kicked into gear, Dodd finishing off a classy one-two move with Agostino for his first goal, before Younis came off the bench and had an immediate impact as he was fouled in the penalty area. Dodd stepped up to convert the spot kick and The Reds led 2-1.

Younis then showed why he is the current leading scorer in Sydney’s premier league, firing home into the roof of the net from an acute angle. Dodd then outsprinted a weary Para Hills defence late on for his hat trick, the final whistle signalling an encouraging United display ahead of the team’s opening 2008 Pre-Season Cup match against Melbourne Victory in Tasmania on Sunday 20 July.

Vidmar was pleased with the first up performance, but said there was a lot to work on as The Reds focus on their opening clash of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season on August 17 against Perth Glory at Hindmarsh Stadium.

“It was a pretty decent hit out. There were a number of good things that we saw and I was reasonably pleased with how it went,” Vidmar said.

“All of the guys slotted in pretty well and it was good to give everyone some game time. Players like Cassio, Michael Valkanis and Agostino haven’t played for an extended period so that was pleasing to see them get through and we’re looking forward to having a good year.”

The squad will have two more training sessions before departing for Launceston on Saturday to take on Melbourne Victory.