Miron Bleiberg’s men were good value for their win against a strong Victory outfit, with the hosts looking more composed on the ball and far more dangerous in the attacking third.

Bleiberg started with a flexible four-three-three line up that included a striking trio of Dylan Macallister, James Brown and Ben Harold.

At the back Josh Brillante, Ante Rozic, Adama Traore and Dylan McGowan all started with the midfield spots taken by Dutch duo Paul Beekmans and Peter Jungschlager, supported by Brazilian playmaker Robson.

After a bright start it was no surprise when Gold Coast opened the scoring with Brown starting and finishing the move.

A penetrating run followed by a combination with Peter Jungschlager left Brown in far too much space in the box and the youngster made no mistake as he dispatched the ball past Tando Velaphi in the Victory goal.

New striker Dylan Macallister stung Velaphi’s palms with a rasping 20-metre drive a few minutes later as Gold Coast looked to build on their advantage as they continued to control the opening half.

Bleiberg’s men were more assured in their build up with Beekmans and Jungschlager’s hard work freeing up Robson to prompt the attacks from midfield.

The Brazilian went close to doubling United’s lead after another powerful run ended with an equally powerful drive that skipped just past the upright.

Melbourne started the second half in much better shape with half-time substitute Carlos Hernandez providing more of an attacking threat as he prowled around the edge of the box.

A slick one-two between Hernandez and Archie Thompson forced Moss into his best work of the night when he pounced at feet of the former Socceroo who was closing in on goal.

After weathering the early pressure from the visitors Gold Coast again threatened. Adama Traore was the architect with a vicious curling cross that only just evaded its targets but still forced Velaphi to swipe the ball to safety.

Midway through the second period United introduced new signing Maceo Rigters into the action to partner Dylan Macallister at the point of the attack.

Rigters was involved almost immediately, contesting a loose ball with Velaphi that resulted in a head wound to the Victory custodian that forced him out of the game.

The Dutch striker snapped at a late shot that flew over the bar in the dying moments as Gold Coast looked for the second goal their performance warranted, but Head Coach Bleiberg was still happy with his troops.

“I think we did quite well and we have showed today that we will be as competitive as any other team in the league this season,” he said.

“There were plenty of good signs even with quite a few senior players missing. Ante Rozic showed his quality as did the two Dutch midfielders, so we have recruited well and we can be confident that we will have plenty of say in what happens this season.”