Brazilian striker Reinaldo has lifted Queensland Roar's finals hopes, his second half goal sealing a shock 1-0 away win over Adelaide United.

The Roar's third win in five matches enabled it to leap temporarily into fourth spot ahead of the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast who clash on Friday night.

Reinaldo's fourth goal of the season came by way of a diving header in the 52nd minute, after reacting first to a Damian Mori shot which cannoned off the crossbar.

Adelaide's own finals chances look a little shaky after being held scoreless at Hindmarsh Stadium for the first time this season.

A lack of punch in front of goal cost it dearly despite carving out a handful of golden chances as it slumped to its third home defeat of the season before 10,684 fans.

It also missed a golden opportunity to leapfrog Sydney FC into second, after the defending champion was docked three points for salary cap breaches on Thursday.

United started the slicker and Brazilian striker Fernando forced Roar goalkeeper Liam Reddy to make two diving saves in the first 10 minutes.

However, Mori and Reinaldo kept the United defence busy too and the latter teed up midfielder Dario Vidosic from seven metres in the 10th minute but United keeper Daniel Beltrame excelled to block his shot.

Beltrame also had to palm away shots from Mori and Reinaldo in the 39th and 40th minutes as the Roar threatened on the break.

United hit back with speedy young guns Nathan Burns and Jason Spagnuolo proving a handful for the Roar defence just before half time.

Burns shot just over the crossbar in the 43rd minute after turning past two defenders before Carl Veart rifled a 20 metre shot just over the crossbar in the 45th minute.

The exciting Young Socceroo striker almost opened the scoring seconds after half time when he lost two defenders with a blind turn but pushed his left foot drive agonisingly just over the crossbar.

Mori was foiled on the goal line in the 49th minute by United defender Michael Valkanis but Queensland grew more resolute as United kept stuttering in attack and held on for its first A-League win against Adelaide United.

Adelaide's fourth loss in its past seven matches means its finals spot is unsecured with matches against Sydney FC and Central Coast to finish the minor round.

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