The Thunder outfit boasted the likes of former A-League players Kristian Sarkies and Rodrigo Vargas, but a strong effort from United was able to largely limit their impact.

United coach James Coutts has been pleased with the improvement the side has shown from week to week.

“We said to the boys last season that one goal against Dandenong Thunder soon turns to four, so the character shown by the boys was very good,” Coutts said.

“It was a game of two halves today.

“The first half I felt we dominated the ball and created the better chances and the second half they dominated the ball, but I still felt we created the better goal scoring chances.

“They’ve got quality in (Brandon) Barnes and Sarkies up there, but I think we more than matched them.

“The fact they made two substitutes and changed their structure twice in the first half shows that.

“I can’t be anything but delighted for the boys and the effort and the direction we’re going in.”

Coutts himself had two excellent chances on goal, but was unable to convert, while a dangerous ball from the Thunder resulted in a mix up in the United defence and led to opening goal.

“Barnes just got a toe in and our boys collided, so there’s maybe a little bit of communication to work on, but overall I’m delighted,” Coutts said.

United replied through a fine finish from Lewis Greenwood later in the second half, who along with Darcy Pawlik, looked very threatening on the outside.

“The wide players have a hard job because sometimes they’re not in the game and the first half Darcy hardly got the ball because everything was going other side,” Coutts said.

“I told him at half-time to wait for his chance and he did that in the second half and created two very good chances.

“I’m delighted for Darcy and Lewis and for them to do the job they did was superb.”

The return of Chad Bugeja off the bench was welcome for United, however Fernando Posada wasn’t risked and will be in contention for minutes next weekend.

Coutts, Sean Pye and Ashley Dunn all pulled up sore after the encounter and will need to recover well.

“With the quality they’ve got there with Sarkies and Barnes, in the second half in particular, it’s mentally very draining because you always have to be switched on,” Coutts said.

United takes on Werribee in Myrtleford next Saturday, before two straight away games.

The ladder is: Dandenong City 15, Melbourne City 14, Eastern Lions 11, Dandenong Thunder 10, Goulburn Valley Suns 9, Springvale White Eagles 8, Murray United 6, Richmond 6, Nunawading City 5, Box Hill United 4.