Rocked pre-match by the 'indefinite suspension' of coach Frank Farina, who was charged with drink driving on Saturday morning, the Roar's weekend got even worse with the club suffering a second straight loss.

Gold Coast striker Joel Porter's first half tap-in was enough as United hung on for their first win in five matches, promoting them to equal second spot behind Sydney.

The win also maintains United's early bragging rights over Roar, having won the clubs' maiden derby 3-1 in the opening round.

Porter's winner came courtesy of a misdirected clearing header from Bob Malcolm in the 31st minute which fell fortuitously for an unmarked Porter at back post.

The Coast did it without their two big guns Jason Culina (Socceroos) and Shane Smeltz (NZ), who were out on international duty.

But it was Roar who were severely disadvantaged by representative commitments, injuries and suspensions.

And despite the absence of quality players Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto, Charlie Miller, Henrique, Michael Zullo, Massimo Murdocca and David Dodd, the Roar had more than enough chances to take something from the contest.

Sergio Van Dijk looked to have leveled just before the break but his tap in was controversially disallowed after teammate Mitch Nichols was ruled to have fouled rival keeper Jess Van Strattan in the contested play which led to the ball dropping to Van Dijk. Nichols was called for raising his arm when contesting the high ball.

The big Dutch striker also had an open goal in the 41st minute, but put a contested header over the bar from close range.

And earlier, big centre back Bob Malcolm was also in disbelief in the 16th minute, after rocketing a free header from close range over the bar.

Roar kept coming at United in the second half but a penalty shout was as close as they came.

As anticipated it was a fiery derby at times. Five yellow cards were issued, four the way of the Roar who are clear leaders in cards received (37) this season.