Sydney were again left frustrated as they were unable to break down a resilient United defence even hitting the cross bar in the first half.

But it was Pantelis who popped up for a second consecutive week to score what proved to be the winning goal after a bursting run down the left from Travis Dodd.

The result sends United to the top of the table for the first time this season until Sunday night at least, albeit on goal difference.

At the final whistle Pantelis said: “Two goals in two games, I can’t ask for anything more. I can’t remember who it was that cut it back but I just stood there and hit it.”

“We’ve come here three years and we couldn’t grab the victory but tonight was an unbelievable night.”

It was Sydney’s fourth 0-1 loss at home this season and a despondent Tony Popovic summed up the mood: “It’s tough to take that. Another loss at home, we’re pretty disappointed.”

“We went behind early in the second half and it’s difficult when you’re chasing the game. They’re a good side.”

Coach Branko Culina was forced into four changes to the side that drew in Perth with Mark Milligan ruled out by the fitness coach moments before kick off.

However from the whistle, both sides showed attacking flair and vigour, creating opportunities at either end in an open first half.

Cassio had the first chance for Adelaide in just the 3rd minute after being played into the penalty area only to drive his shot wide, clipping the side netting.

Just a minute later, Juninho was allowed space to run through the middle before unleashing a low drive forcing Beltrame to turn the ball around the post.

From the resulting corner the ball fell to Alex Brosque after a scramble in the box who then blasted just past the far post.

There was no respite as United attacked again with Cassio playing a superb through ball to Pantelis down the left flank.

The nimble winger slid a low cross menacingly into the path of Travis Dodd whose lunging shot was saved point blank by Clint Bolton.

Sydney responded when Brosque positioned wide on the left, cut inside and fired a shot straight at Beltrame.

Both teams continued to trade chances on goal without really testing the keepers until Bolton made a fingertip save from Jason Spagnuolo after some good work on the edge of the area by Diego.

But the best chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute. Adam Casey attacking down the right hand side delivered a perfect cross for Patrick who thundered his volley off the cross bar.

Dodd had another chance up the other end from a corner but couldn’t connect with his head. Instead it ricocheted off his thigh and Bolton was able to make an easy save on the goal line.

That was the last meaningful opportunity as a pulsating first half was brought to a close at 0-0.

Aurelio Vidmar rang the changes at half time sending on Nathan Burns and defender Milan Susak for Richie Alagich and Jason Spagnuolo.

The move paid off immediately as United switched to a back three in a more attacking formation.

Cassio was able to get forward, springing the offside trap and crossing for Dodd whose goal-bound shot was blocked by team mate Burns.

But one minute later Adelaide took the lead.

Captain Travis Dodd flew past two blue shirts on his way to the left hand side where he cut the ball back into the path of Pantelis.

He kept his cool and unleashed a powerful first time drive low past Bolton. The keeper managed to get a touch but it wasn’t enough to prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net.

Ten minutes later Cassio attacked the left hand side yet again to lay the ball onto an unmarked Dez Giraldi who unbelievably sent his shot wide from the edge of the six yard box.

Sydney then flooded forward looking for an equaliser and it almost arrived on 71 minutes.

Pantelis lost possession in midfield and the ball was then sprayed wide again to Brosque on the left.

The Sydney striker dribbled into the box squaring low across goal as Beltrame instinctively palmed away with four blue shirts bearing down.

On came David Zdrilic for Patrick as Culina barked at his team to push wide down either flank.

United seemed content to soak up the pressure, hitting on the counter with headers falling to Dodd and Pantelis, though neither tested the keeper.

But in the 89th minute hearts were in mouths as Sydney looked destined for a point when McFlynn received the ball from the right on the corner of the six yard box.

Just as he was about to unleash a shot and certain goal, Susak put his body on the line with a tough tackle and diving block.

That was Sydney’s last chance and Adelaide held on through injury time for a vital three points and their first Hyundai A-League win in the harbour city.