All three grades secured their spots in the top four of the Peoplecare District League with wins against Shellharbour City at Shellharbour.

Not only did Highlands win three from three, they also finished the day with three clean sheets. The first graders won 2-0, reserves 3-0 and youth grade 2-0.

Scott Friedewald put United's first graders ahead 15 minutes into the second half following some good midfield work from Brian Montarnari and Michael Murray. Substitute striker Andrew Worner sealed Highlands’ eighth win five minutes from time with a first time strike following a low cross from Montarnari.

United coach Brian Hollywood changed from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2 formation on Saturday.

"It took us a while in the first half to adapt but with four at the back I feel were are stronger defensively. Shellharbour were very physical and enthusiastic and had a high work rate. They made it difficult," he said.

"Goalkeeper Troy French had another good game and is in a bit of a purple patch and Brian back in the midfield makes big difference. With the ball at his feet, he is hard to stop.

"Norbet Acs and Andrew came on with 25 to go and lifted the team,” Hollywood said.

The big question on all United's fans’ lips is can the boys back up their performance against a strong Ruse team and string together three wins on the trot for the first time in 2008.

"That is our biggest thing. We put in a good game and then a poor one. If we make sure our work rate is high we are chance.

“Ruse have beat Uni and Olympic away, so it will be a tough game."

Hollywood may have to shift his attacking formation with quiet teenage striker Jed Hilmi likely to miss Saturday's home fixture after he was sent off with 10 minutes to go against Shellharbour.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, June 25