The Jets lost 2-0 at Skilled Park after conceding twice in five minutes late in the first half dominated by the home side. The Jets came back more into the game in the second half but were unable to convert possession into goals.

Culina said  the heavy schedule had taken a toll on the players but was pleased with the positive aspects that came out of the second half this evening.

"We certainly did it tough on the weekend with ten men in difficult conditions, but we really had a slow start and then we conceded two very soft goals," he said." After that it was always going to be an uphill battle.

"We had a couple of chances in the second half, with a bit more composure we could have probably got one or two back and it could have been interesting. It wasn't to be and we've got to move on,."

However United coach Miron Bleiberg was understandably delighted with the win, which pushed his side into second place on the A-League ladder - just in time for a first vs second battle this weekend.

"We played very well and it sets up a very big game against Sydney on Sunday," he said. "We will be going for a win in Sydney and I think it is a three-horse race for the title now.

"It's tough playing three games in a week but we are on a high at the moment and have every reason to feel positive."