Victory had a little more of the possession in the first half, and with the reigning Johnny Warren Medalist Carlos Hernandez directing play, the visitors were in control.

Against  Fury last weekend, Melbourne had 28 unsuccessful attempts at goal, but against United Victory enjoyed better strike-rate.

Hernandez put Kruse into space to score the only goal of the game in the 20th minute. The former Brisbane Roar youngster rounded Victory old boy Glenn Moss and finished well from a tight angle into the far corner.

The visitors had a chance to add to their tally in the second half but as Kevin Muscat's bouncing effort was headed goalwards by Leigh Broxham, Zanon Caravella was on hand to hack the ball off the line.

Gold Coast, fielding a plethora of youngsters - hopefully soon to be boosted by the arrival of Bruce Djite - had their moments but couldn't find a way to haul themselves level.

For the visitors, it was their first A-League win of the season - at the fourth attempt.