United, disappointed with a lacklustre loss to Fernhill the previous weekend, recorded its second three-pointer of the season.

The round three clash produced a scoreless first half, but Highlands was dominant throughout and simply had to be patient to find the back of the net.

Captain Nigel Tasker opened United's account midway through the second period and striker Scott Friedwald followed up soon after to provide a two-goal buffer. Shellharbour had no reply.

"It was the sort of game we were never going to lose," said Highlands coach Curtis Campbell.

"We were a lot tighter in defence this week - Will Jacobs had an excellent game - and it was a matter of being patient."

United's squad is expected to be strengthened this week with the return of first-choice goalkeeper Matt Anderson from an ankle ligament injury sustained in an indoor comp pre-season.

Anderson has been given the all-clear to play following extensive physiotherapy treatment and is expected to take back the gloves from Troy French, who has started every league game so far in 2004.

Veteran midfielder Craig Hutton remains sidelined with a groin strain suffered in round one, though it is hoped he will return to training soon.

Meanwhile, in the reserves match on Saturday, Highlands won two-nil with striker Adrian Butler slotting home the second goal midway through the second half.

The youth team made it a hat-trick of victories, four-three, despite playing with just 10 men. Midfielder Shane Fitzpatrick bagged a double.