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At the beautiful Illinden Sports Center the first chance of the match fell to youngster Tomi Cirjak in the 15th minute, who made his way into the box only to have his shot spoiled by a scrambling Manly defense.
Chris Payne could have opened the scoring for Manly, onside after a ball over the top of the defense. Payne chose to wait for assistance and squared it to Balderson, although one feels that the former A-League striker could have taken on the goalkeeper himself.
One minute later Payne was denied by 'keeper Ryan Norval when he found himself with the ball inside the six yard box after a corner.
Ten minutes prior to half time the momentum switched in Rockdale's favour and several chances fell to the home side.
A long range effort from Pece Cvetanovski went just wide of the left post and had Manly 'keeper Mitchell diving to cover his goals.
Running down the left flank Huseyin Jasli found Vrosevski whose shot from ten yards out forced a one handed save from Mitchell.
After a goalmouth scramble resulting from a corner Peter Apolevski eventually headed the ball into the net in the last play of the first half, giving Rockdale a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Manly looked to level the scores and came out firing in the second period. Mugabe had a penalty claim for a handball inside the box denied that any other Mugabe would have been given, just to be on the safe side.
In the 67th minute from the deadball, Balderson curled one onto goal that unfortunately hit the top corner of the post.
It was not until the 82nd that substitute Damir Prodanovic would draw the game level for United, making for an entertaining final ten minutes of play.
The away side would leave Illinden Sports Centre still seeking their first win after an 87th minute stunner saw Rockdale retake the lead. From a freekick outside the box Jasli curled it in past the outstreched hand of the Manly 'keeper to make it 2-1 to the City Suns.
EXCLUSIVE: Post-match interview with Rockdale coach Mark Rudan.