Adelaide United grabbed a vital 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh Stadium in their A-League clash, despite playing with 10 men for most of the match.

The Reds scored after just 11 seconds through Louis Brain but had to sustain a Herculean defensive effort to protect the lead after experienced defender Richie Alagich was sensationally sent off by New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary in the 15th minute.

The win against the odds continued Adelaide's strong start to the season and kept Melbourne winless.

Brain's opening goal just moments after the kick-off gave him the fledgling competition's fastest goal to date.

But it all turned sour for the Reds in the 15th minute when Alagich was sensationally red carded by O'Leary for a late tackle on Melbourne Victory midfielder Steve Pantelidis.

The send-off appeared a harsh penalty and naturally set the match up for Melbourne to dominate possession.

However, Melbourne only threatened from long range before halftime with United goalkeeper Robert Beltrame palming a 25-metre drive from Michael Ferrante and a 30-metre free kick from Kristian Sarkies over the crossbar.

United also had to replace forward Travis Dodd in the 20th minute due to a leg injury.

Dodd had supplied the telling cross from the left which allowed Brain to pounce and net his first A-League goal from close range with a lunging boot in mid air.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick rang the changes in the second half trying to penetrate United's fortress-like defence, including throwing Vince Lia into attack for defender Ricky Diaco in the 46th minute.

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