In the opening game of their first NPL1 season United were beaten 3-2 by their mid-table Melbourne opponents.

But Estonian under-21 international Stanislav Goldberg, who single-handedly unlocked United’s defences that day, won’t be a factor for the home team after signing a contract to play overseas during the transfer window.

In recent weeks the Border team has also fought back to draw with finals contender Kingston City and then beaten Melbourne City 3-2.

Right back Melkie Woldemichael, 19, has no doubt United is a better team than it was back in March.

“It was a very different line-up back then — we probably didn’t know what to expect,” he said.

“I think particularly in the past month we have become a better team.

“Certainly having Ashley Dunn and Ryan Giles in that holding midfield role makes a huge difference — I think you could see last weekend that City were reluctant to come through that area and instead kept going wide.”

Woldemichael said his was a dual role — defending at right back and, when needed, getting forward.

“It was similar to what I was asked to do last year at Boomers, make that run on the wing to give the forwards another option,” he said.

“But at this level you can’t expect to beat players one-on-one like last year, it is a different standard and much more of a team game.”

United’s stocks are expected to be further bolstered today by the return of Hussein Ntakirutimana from injury.

Mat Hasler will also come into the team for the injured Kade Rixon.

Woldemichael said the win over City had lifted the entire club.

“That first 20 minutes were unbelievable — to be up 3-0 was incredible,” he said.

Under-18 defender Curtis Iverson was another riding the wave of emotion.