James Brown inspired Gold Coast in the clash played at Southport Tigers.

After watching from the stands as the A-League side thrashed Roar 5-1 on Boxing Day, Brown was in magical touch to set up one goal, fire home another and generally run the show as United's youngsters returned to winning ways, sending Brisbane's youngsters home with the same margin of defeat suffered by the senior side.

In typical derby style, the game started at a blistering tempo and was unrelenting for the duration of the first 45 minutes.

The best early chances fell to the visitors, with Mitch Bevan forced to clear off the line for United and Jerrad Tyson saving well at the feet of Isaka Cernak.

But Gold Coast gradually gained a stranglehold and took the lead just before the half hour with a fine goal. James Brown was the architect with a blistering run down the right-hand side, slipping past four Brisbane defenders with ease. Brown's cross found Andrew Barisic who made no mistake with his finish to give United the advantage.

Tim Smits fluffed a golden opportunity to level for the visitors and they were made to pay for his wastefulness ten minutes from half time when Gold Coast doubled their lead.

After another United attacking foray Brisbane only half cleared the ball and Koh Satake showed great technique to slam the ball home with an acrobatic volley from the edge of the box.

Gold Coast were on the rampage and it seemed inevitable that another goal would follow before the break. This time James Brown went from provider to scorer with a magnificent solo run that culminated in the youngster side-footing a pin point strike into the far corner of Matt Ham's goal.

Brisbane rang the changes at half time and managed to reduce the deficit on 58 minutes. Alistair Quinn showed a good first touch to make space for a shot and finished calmly past Jerrad Tyson to restore some hope for the visitors.

Soon after, Antony Schiavo blazed over when presented with a glorious opportunity to peg United back even further, then Satake went close for United with a firm header from Ben Harrison's swirling free-kick.

The tempo of the opening half began to take its toll on both sides and it was no surprise when Gold Coast put the result beyond doubt with just over ten minutes to go.

Reuben Way's shot was blocked at point-blank range by Brisbane 'keeper Matt Ham, but striker Chris Harold was on hand to tap home the rebound and notch his 8th goal of the NYL campaign.

In the dying stages United matched the senior side's scoreline from the night before and made it 5-1 thanks to Andrew Barisic's penalty kick after Golgol Mebrahtu was felled in the box. It was the striker's 9th goal of the season and capped off a fine performance by Mike Mulvey's side.