eNew Zealand striker Shane Smeltz plundered his sixth goal in three games as Gold Coast United maintained their 100 per cent start to the A-League season with a 2-0 win at Adelaide United.

Smeltz, a summer arrival at the new A-League franchise from Wellington Phoenix, opened the scoring after just 13 minutes at Hindmarsh Stadium to add to his four goals against North Queensland Fury last week and his opening day strike against Brisbane Roar.

Midfielder Steve Fitzsimmons doubled the lead six minutes after the break to secure United's third win of their inaugural season in the Australian top-flight.

Sydney will look to defend the only other unbeaten A-League record against Central Coast Mariners tomorrow, while Adelaide suffered their second straight defeat following their opening day win over Perth Glory.

Reigning player of the year and last season's golden boot winner Smeltz, who netted 39 goals in 39 appearances in two years with Wellington, broke the deadlock against the run of play as he pounced to score from close range after Steve Pantelidis' shot was only parried by Reds goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

The goal led to United dominating the first half but the visitors had to wait until the second half to double their lead as Fitzsimmons poked home after the home defence failed to deal with Jason Culina's corner.

Adelaide responded in the closing stages as substitute Lloyd Owusu made an impact and Adam Hughes also had two late chances, but the damage had been done and Gold Coast walked away with a hard-fought three points.