Miron Bleiberg's men dominated the second half and could have won by a greater margin after creating several top quality goalscoring chances, but late goals by Brazilian striker Milson and predator Shane Smeltz were enough to see United home.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson admitted in the post-match press conference that Gold Coast were the fitter and stronger side, and it was the extra energy in the closing stages that proved to be the difference between the two teams.

But it was the English Premier League side who took the lead in the 16th minute with a gem of a free-kick from Danny Murphy. The former Liverpool midfielder planted his curling 25-metre drive into the top right-hand corner of Jess Vanstrattan's goal, with the United ‘keeper at full stretch but unable to reach Murphy's pin-point effort.

Smeltz and Culina both had efforts on goal that fizzed wide without troubling Schwarzer but United's best early chance came when Porter released Robson clear on goal in the 12th minute. Just as the Brazilian was about to pull the trigger, Chris Smalling intervened with a timely tackle.

On the half hour United went close to equalising. A 50-metre cross-field pass from Socceroo Jason Culina found Porter lurking on the right wing and his first-time cross was met powerfully by the head of the incoming Smeltz.

The Kiwi international's header was blocked by Chris Smalling with the crowd and the United players claiming a hand was used to deflect the ball wide.

Fulham almost increased their lead 10 minutes before the break with a Zoltan Gera drive that just cleared the crossbar, but it was United who came closest to scoring in the dying minutes.

First, Joel Porter found himself free with only Mark Schwarzer to beat when he intercepted a poor back pass but the Socceroo custodian was in fine form to smother his goal-bound effort. Seconds later Adam Traore wriggled past two defenders before firing in a low centre that was deflected onto the crossbar by Gera.

United started the second period strongly with a string of attacks and almost drew level 10 minutes after the restart. Porter's swirling corner found Michael Thwaite at the far post and it took a goal-line clearance by Fredrik Stoor to keep Fulham's lead intact.

With time ticking on United got the goal their positive play deserved. A Culina cross from the right was headed back across goal by Smeltz and Milson was there to nod home the equaliser.

Six minutes later Shane Smeltz made it a night to remember for the Hyundai A-League newcomers when he cleverly held possession in the box to make room for a shot, then gleefully smashed home the winner through a crowd of Fulham defenders.