Playing in front of just 2037 - the lowest ever attendance for an A-League match on Australian soil - Gold Coast were the superior side over three-quarters of the pitch, but in front of goal they were completely ineffective.

Skipper Jason Culina had the best involvement for the home side, but he was given no reward or encouragement for his quality service to the struggling Gold Coast attackers.

Neither side came out motivated to seize the initiative in the first half, but as the match wore on United began to establish control through their greater possession and field position.

Adam Traore was keeping Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan on his toes, firing twice from range in the opening twenty minutes while Jason Culina was causing problems for the visitors as well, delivering good service from the right-hand side.

Bruce Djite and Steve Pantelidis both had chances to open scoring in the 41st minute, but Djite's shot on goal was stopped by a wall of Mariners' defenders, and Pantelidis could do no better with the rebound.

United resumed after the break on the offensive and Brazilian brothers Anderson and Robson continued their solid distribution from behind the forward line.

But with Traore ineffective and star-signing Djite looking some way from top form, the chances continued to go begging.

Culina was trying hard, but, perhaps fittingly for a match contested amid a park-football type atmosphere, United never found their touch and the game ended a 0-0 draw.