It wasn't pretty, but Bellambi clinched a hard-fought 2-1 win victory over South Coast United on Sunday afternoon to remain undefeated in this year's Illawarra Premier League competition.

In a game where both teams missed plenty of attacking chances, a late goal from Ryan Hunter proved the difference at Elizabeth Park. Brad Watts scored the home side's other goal, while substitute Nick Roufogalis found the back of the net for United.

The result means Bellambi are yet to drop a game in 2020, after being promoted to the IPL at the end of last year.

Experienced midfielder Vaughan Patterson said it was a far from ideal performance against South Coast but the Rosellas were happy to bank the three points.

"They were tough, [United coach] 'Greggy' [Valic] had them set up really well," he said.

"It was a tough one, I think it could have gone either way at the end there. But Hunter got himself amongst the goals again which was good.

"I think it's pretty obvious that we weren't at our best. But if you want to do anything, you've got to win those games."

While happy to stay undefeated, Patterson admitted it was frustrating that Bellambi couldn't capitalise on more scoring opportunities on Sunday.

"It's becoming a bit of the story of our season, but it's better than not creating any," he said.

"I'm happy that we're getting into those areas and I think it will come for all three of those boys up top. It's a little bit frustrating at times, but it's not just the front three that are missing those chances. It comes from the backline and building the ball up and giving them quality chances.

"I think it's pretty well covered that we've got an ideal start to the season but I think the next couple of weeks will be a good test for us. If we can get as many points as we can rolling into the last four or five games, where we play the so-called sort of big teams, it will put us in a good position which is exciting."

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Neither team took the ascendancy in the opening 10 minutes, but Bellambi had the first real chance when Cody Cutherbertson found himself in space. However, his shot was easily gloved by United goalkeeper Jason Bleakley.

Soon after, Cuthbertson again found himself in a dangerous spot, but his cross was comfortably shut down by the visitors' defence.

The Rosellas continued to attack in the opening 15 minutes, but United's defenders were up to the challenge.

United had a great chance approaching the 20-minute mark, courtesy of a powerful strong from Jamie Wakeling, but Bellambi goalkeeper Bryce Daenell managed to stop the ball.

Bellambi had several corners in the opening half hour, as United continued to absorb the pressure. From another corner, Ryan Hunter came through with the header but his attempt missed.

Cuthbertson and Mitch Turner also had long-range attempts, but they weren't able to find the back of the net.

And, finally, the pressure told on United defence. A miskick from Jarrod Pollard fell at the feet of Todd Simpson, who set up Watts to dance around the goalkeeper and score Bellambi's first goal.

One nearly became two leading into half time, thanks to a great strike by Turner, but Bleakley gloved possession well.

The score remained 1-0 at half time.

United came out with better ascendancy in the second half and had a great chance early when Kieran Broonik found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Bryce Daenell, however, his shot swung wide.

At the other end, Patterson had a long-range shot from a free kick which was stopped by Bleakley.

However, United continued to build. A nice through ball by Wakeling found Ivan Bratanshak in space, but he couldn't connect on the shot.

Watts had a couple of missed opportunities in the next few minutes, including a nice low shot, while United's Anthony Pedavoli also missed a long-range shot.

Pedavoli almost played a role in a goal soon after. From a free kick, his shot was bobbled by Daenell, however, the stopped recovered possession before United's attack could capitalise.

But it was Bellambi who managed to wrestle back control of the contest. From a free kick, Mitch Young had a long-range shot which hit the crossbar and bounced away.

Cuthbertson also had a good chance, after finding some space, but his shot was gloved away by Bleakley.

But, finally, United had their opportunity.

After a free kick, the ball ricocheted to Pedalovi, whose long shot deflected off teammate Roufogalis and into goals to draw level at 1-all.

But it was the Rosellas who had the final say on Sunday's game with a quick response. From a corner, Hunter headed home truly from close range to help his side take a 2-1 lead.

Both teams had a couple of late half-chances, but Bellambi held on to clinch the victory.

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United coach Greg Valic said it was a "very disappointing loss" but his side was under strength on Sunday.

"Our squad was thin and it really tested our depth across the club in all three grades. A couple of injuries in there have been really difficult," he said.

"But it's unfortunate that we made some mistakes, some decisions during the game that really costs us. That's the story of the day really, and they punished us. We couldn't capitalise on the one or two chances that we did create and that's what happens."