Zac Walker produced a second half double, but early goals to captain Ashley Dunn and Chad Bugeja gave the visitors a 2-0 advantage after 16 minutes.

Nunawading responded in the 20^th minute, leaving United in the same position as last weekend with a 2-1 lead at half-time.

However, the story was a very different one, with Archie Thompson setting up young gun Lionel Masudi in the 55^th minute, before two clean finishes from Walker inside the last 15 minutes capped off a terrific performance. 

United coach James Coutts asked his players for a strong physical response after a flat performance at home to Springvale, which was exactly what he got.

“It was good to see Lionel (Masudi) get on the score sheet, it was a reward for his effort off the park,” Coutts said.

“Zac’s (Walker) two goals were very composed finishes and Dunny’s (Dunn) and Chad’s (Bugeja) in the first half set us on our way.

“We changed it up a bit this week and Dunny played a little bit higher up, because he’s the best player in terms of pressing players and tackling in the competition bar none.

“When he plays like that and we can get him higher to affect it, I think it showed with the first goal that it worked.

“We spoke at half-time about being in that position and learning from last week and it was a great response by the boys.

“It goes to show with a good structure, good shape and sticking to the game plan, which we outlined quite clearly to the boys, that they can execute, and we got the reward for that.”

Coutts added the win was right up there as one of the most pleasing results for the Border side.

“We spoke to boys after our losses to Northcote and Springvale about bouncing back,” he said.

“Performance wise, we weren’t as good with the ball today, but we certainly had a very good structure and the discipline of the group was very pleasing.

“It shows the guys have learned over the course about how we have to play at times.

“I think at times we can play better when we invite teams onto us and we soak up a bit of pressure, because we can be very dangerous on the counter.

“When teams leave holes for players like Archie (Thompson), Lewis (Greenwood), Zac and Chad, we’ve got great attacking options.

“Nunawading did that today and we were able to capatalise.”

Sean Pye sat the game out on the bench as a precaution and wasn’t required due to United’s scoreboard pressure, however the side didn’t escape completely unscathed, with Bugeja suffering a setback.

“Chad’s got a little nick in his hamstring, which we’ll have to assess,” Coutts said.

“It was a shame because he started the game very well, he created one and scored one and had a couple more opportunities.”

The ladder after round 15 is: Dandenong City 32, Dandenong Thunder 30, Melbourne City 25, Murray United 22, Springvale White Eagles 19, Goulburn Valley Suns 17, Box Hill United 16, Nunawading City 15, Richmond 13, Eastern Lions 12.