It was the final blow for Richard Lloyd's coaching career with South Coast, as Sydney United dished out a hiding on Saturday night.

Without a win to start 2014, the Wolves were handed a 5-1 drubbing at Sydney United Sports Centre, in a result which ultimately saw Lloyd depart the club.

The writing was on the wall early in the clash as the defending National Premier League champions scored twice in the opening 13 minutes through Mark Cindric and Ante Tomic.

South Coast did pull a goal back on 15 minutes through midweek signing Sam Jacob, but were quickly two goals behind again in the 34th minute when Stepjan Paric finished off a smooth passing movement.

Despite coming out of the blocks fast to start the second stanza, the Wolves couldn't close the gap on the home side.

And they were all but assured of leaving Sydney without three points when Cindric scored his second after chipping Daniel Collison.

With the match winding down, United made the performance a perfect five out of five, with an Anthony Tomelic strike.

Tomelic received the ball from Nathan Sherlock, firing his shot off the post and in, to round out the comprehensive 5-1 scoreline.

"A few silly errors and Sydney United were up for it for the best part," Lloyd said after the match.

"I think an obvious problem is when we lose the ball our transition is too slow, so we need to speed that up and have that want to get the ball back.

"I think that's what brought us undone, when we gave that ball up."

The Wolves' task will get no easier next week when they play undefeated ladder-leaders Blacktown Spartans.

Scoring 22 goals in their opening six matches, the Spartans are sure to test the Wolves' current defensive frailties.