Prize recruits Jason Culina and Shane Smeltz ensured Gold Coast United celebrated their A-League football debut with a cherished 3-1 derby triumph at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Marquee man Culina and All White Smeltz, the A-League's player of 2008-09, made an instant splash with a goal apiece to set up the richly-deserved victory over a frustrated Brisbane Roar.
Across the state, Sydney FC crushed any chance of a fairytale North Queensland A-League entry with a 3-2 victory in Townsville.
