Gold Coast United defeated Roy Hodgson's side 2-1 on Wednesday night as preparations for the new season began in earnest.

New Zealand international Shane Smeltz scored the winner for the A-League newcomers.

Danny Murphy had given Fulham the lead with a trademark free-kick in front of more than 10,000 fans.

"It's a great performance and we can only get better," said Gold Coast star Jason Culina.

"Fulham is only early on in their preparation.

"They've only been training for four or five days. We can't get carried away."