Jarrad Kohler's second-half strike separated the sides in a hard-fought local derby played on what United coach Nathan Wade described as a "goat paddock".

"Not conceding a goal on their home field was the most pleasing thing," Wade said.

"It's just unfortunate they've got such a young, skilful side and they have to play on their field; it doesn't help them."

Kohler put United ahead just after the break with a header that nestled into the back of the net following a corner.

He was ably supported by Josh Casey throughout the game who played in a different role at the point of the attack.

"Jarrad was our man of the match and he seemed to be everywhere and was a mountain of strength," Wade said.

"I put Josh Casey up top as well and he was also quite good."

United have now only conceded three goals in eight matches which is an improvement on their defence last season where they conceded 22 in 18 matches.

"We've probably worked on that a little bit more this year after last year," Wade said.

"Sides will score against us but we're trying to make it a bit more difficult than it was last year so we probably lose a little bit in attack but defensively we're a lot better."

"It was a pretty close game; the boys were happy with the win but they pushed us all the way."

Saints coach Darrell Pascoe admitted United were the better side with their defensive structure suffocating his team.

"They shut us down and didn't give us any room," he said.

"We were under pressure for most of the game and hung in there, but created a few chances which was nice.

"We're still off the pace of those guys.

"Looking at how they moved the ball around and closed our space, they're certainly one of the teams to beat and we're going to have to do a bit of work."

Pascoe was impressed with the toughness of midfielder Griffin Goodman who took a heavy knock to his knee, but battled on and was one of Saints' best.

"He copped a really bad knock to the knee which would have put most players out of the game," he said.

"He came off for a few minutes and then re-entered the game and continued on so we played with 10 men for a few minutes while that was playing out.

"He showed a lot of character which was good."

Griffin (first grade) and Dan Johnson (reserve grade) were the Tacking Point Tavern players of the match.

In reserve grade, Saints held on to register a 2-1 win over their previously undefeated rivals.

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