After conceding a goal in the opening couple of minutes, Wollongong were able to respond with a double from Zac McLaren before the 20-minute mark to take a 2-1 lead. The second goal came courtesy of a handling error from Rosellas goalkeeper Bryce Daenell.

The score remained 2-1 at half time at Elizabeth Park.

Mason Versi then found the back of the net two minutes into the second half to give his side a 3-1 lead, before the Rosellas mustered a late consolation goal in stoppage time.

While pleased to win, United coach Oli Vrtkovski said it was a frustrating game all-round on Saturday.

"I was just watching the footage and there were that many fouls blown against us. We tried to set up to not concede fouls because we knew the game plan from Bellambi is getting everything in the 18-yard box and to win headers... essentially, that's all they had. The long ball into the box or the cross into the box to try get a header onto it," he said.

"Other than that, I thought some of our ball retention was really good. I thought we created the better chances. However, we still conceded two - their one in injury time was off a penalty - though it doesn't matter how they go in, they go in. That's been my disappointment that in two games, we've conceded five goals [following a 3-all draw with Cringila]. Before that, we had only conceded five goals in seven rounds."

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Conversely, Bellambi coach Andrew Paine was happy with his team's efforts at Elizabeth Park.

"We played excellent. I think that's the best we've looked in a few weeks, effort wise and the discipline to stick to our structures," Paine said.

"If I'm being truthful, I thought we shaded the chances. We had some really good opportunities and some free looks. We made just a couple of really unfortunate mistakes, uncharacteristic from our lot. And against a team like United, they don't give you free goals, and you can't give them any mate."

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In Saturday afternoon's other IPL results, Bulli and Corrimal played out a 2-all draw at Balls Paddock while Woonona and Coniston were also forced to share the points following a 1-all draw.

South Coast United will host Cringila at Ian McLennan Park on Saturday night, while Port Kembla tackles Tarrawanna at Wetherall Park and the Albion Park White Eagles will meet Wollongong Olympic on Sunday to close out round nine.