In a game of rope-a-dope which would have made Mohammad Ali proud, United toyed with its rivals, sitting back and taking all the blows before four counter-attacks, two in each half, sealed a big win in front of a small, but enthusiastic Mars Stadium crowd.

A-League legend Besart Berisha scored two of the easiest goals of his career, the first right on the stroke of half-time from a counter-attack from the home side, the second, even easier after he latched onto a fumble from the Macarthur keeper, slotting the goal from less than a metre out. The goals his 137^th and 138^th took him to second in history of professional football in this country.

Macarthur dominated the first 25 minutes of the contest, but despite 67 per cent of ball control never looked like breaking through the miserly United defence.

United's first goal came via almost its first foray into attack for the match, ending up with Spaniard Iker Guarrotxena who finished nicely in the lower left-hand corner from long range.

The second goal also came from a quick break, with Berisha this time the beneficiary of some sloppy Macarthur defence.

Dylan Pierias iced the game in the 54^th minute, before Berisha put on a bit of showtime in front of the adoring fans at the northern end 12 minutes later.

United Manager Mark Rudan said having support from a loyal faithful in Ballarat was encouraging, and he hoped this result could lead to bigger and better things for the next home match.

"It was good support here at Ballarat," he said.

"It's our job as a club to bring this club to regional areas. We will continue to grow the club top make sure our members and fans get on board.

"Hopefully the Ballarat faithful will have seen that and they will come out again and travel an hour down the freeway to support us for our other matches."