After a cagey first half with few chances, both sides went looking for a goal after the break with Roar striker Reinaldo breaking the deadlock on 63 minutes.

Robert Cornthwaite went closest for the home side with a free header flashing just past the post from a Sarkies free kick in the 85th minute.

That represented Adelaide’s best chance of the match as Frank Farina got his tactics just right.

The Roar defence held strong to deny United extending their six game unbeaten run whilst maintaining their own record for another week.

“I said we came here to play and I think we did play,” said Farina. “I thought the team here collectively, were very good tonight.

“We won here last game which was an important result for us but this one tonight was even more important.

“It’s difficult to come here and we’re very happy we came away with three points.”

It was a professional performance by the former Socceroo's side as they were content to soak up what little pressure Adelaide were able to apply.

Queensland closed out the game by frustrating the United attack with a solid defence and rarely looked like conceding a goal.

“Tonight was a fantastic result,” said Socceroo Craig Moore. “Adelaide had come off the back of two really good wins scoring freely.

“I thought we played some really good stuff. We created more chances than they did.”

The win puts Roar into the top four until at least Sunday and within a point of Adelaide United.