Iain Ramsay brace for Adelaide United left Melbourne Heart still searching for their first victory in their debut season.

Matthew Leckie opened the scoring in just the second minute at Hindmarsh Stadium as he pounced on a defensive mix-up between Michael Marrone and Michael Beauchamp before slotting home.

But Melbourne responded three minutes before the break when Dutch winger Rutger Worm headed home his first goal for the club.

Adelaide restored their lead in the 52nd minute as Ramsay fired home from close range but again the visitors battled back as Eli Babalj diverted Worm's low cross into the back of the net with 16 minutes remaining.

However, Ramsay secured the points for Adelaide when he rifled a shot through the legs of goalkeeper Clint Bolton with two minutes left on the clock.

The victory was Adelaide's first of the season and puts them top of the standings with five points while Heart are rooted to the foot of the table having picked up just one point from three games.