Culina, who became the highest profile A-League signing earlier this year when he transferred to United from Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven, found space in the box in the 59th minute and sent the ball whistling into the back of the net with apparent ease.

The Roar actually dominated possession and created a host of opportunities throughout the match, but in the end it was the clinical finishing of Culina and New Zealand international Shane Smeltz that proved to be the difference.

Sergio van Dijk gave the home crowd hope of a miraculous turnaround when he slotted a penalty in the 89th minute, making the score 2-1, but it was quickly snuffed out by Robson.

The Brazilian made the most of some lackadaisical defending, cantering into the box to put the icing on the cake for Gold Coast.

Earlier a stumble from Brisbane skipper Craig Moore on the cusp of the box gave Joel Porter enough space to find Smeltz, who snuck in front of Bob Malcolm and fired truly in the 17th minute.

Amazingly it would be the only time United entered the box in the first half, while the second stanza proved just as fruitless - with an error from Liam Reddy the only other genuine chance the visitors had apart from Robson's major and Culina's slick strike.

The match started to bubble late in the piece and a scuffle on the ground between Smeltz and Malcolm preceded the converted penalty that was awarded after United keeper Scott Higgins felled Michael Zullo.

19, 902 fans witnessed the spirited encounter that saw ten yellow cards handed out in total by referee Peter Green.

The buildup for the game, which dated back over a year ago to United's entry into the competition, was expectedly animated - and all eyes were soon turned to Suncorp Stadium in expectation of just how heated the rivalry would be on the park.

Roar playmaker Mitch Nichols took under four minutes to earn the first caution from Green for an off-the-ball incident, and he was followed by Robbie Kruse, Danny Tiatto, Moore and substitute Charlie Miller.

Steve Pantelidis, Culina, Robson, Smeltz and Higgins all saw yellow for the visitors, but by far the most remarkable event was Smeltz and Malcolm's tussle - which saw players from both sides run in to breakup the action.

The hosts looked lively but ultimately were far too wasteful.

Danny Tiatto was creative in the middle for the Roar, while van Dijk had ample opportunity to get the better of Higgins but lacked the deft touch he showed in the 2008/09 season when he netted 12 goals.

Blunders from Daniel Piorkowski and Higgins in the first left the Dutch striker with only the keeper to beat, but he was not up to the task.

Brisbane Roar 1 (van Dijk 89)
Gold Coast United 3 (Smeltz 17, Culina 59, Robson 90+3)
Crowd: 19, 902 at Suncorp Stadium