Gold Coast United have defeated Newcastle Jets 2-0 tonight at Skilled Park.

The win moves Gold Coast into second place, just behind their next opponents, Sydney FC, who host United at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

Jason Culina opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a curving free kick before James Brown netted the first goal of his senior career five minutes later.

Brown exchanged passes with Culina before slotting coolly past Neil Young in the Jets goal.

Zenon Caravella was voted United's player of the match.