The moment may have occurred across the ditch, but Berisha’s trademark predatory finish will be marked in the record books as Western United’s first ever goal.

Berisha, 34, slotted home a cross from Josh Risdon to secure a 1-0 win for Western United away to Wellington Phoenix and he couldn’t hide his delight.

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“It’s pretty special. I remember coming to Australia for seven months (when signing a short-term deal for Brisbane Roar in 2011). It’s my eighth year here now,” Berisha said.

“It feels like Australia is so good to me, this is why I came here. I’m really happy to be back.

“Western United just works for me — I love being here. It’s a great challenge, it’s exciting.

“Being the first player to score the first goal for the club and to start the season with a win is a privilege.”

Berisha admitted it was crucial to kick off the season with a win, ahead of the club’s first home game at GMHBA Stadium.

Western United hosts reigning premiers Perth Glory, who conceded late to draw 1-1 with Robbie Fowler’s Brisbane Roar on Sunday.

“It was a very important win. We’re a new club and this team desperately needs a good start to build momentum and togetherness,” he said.

“It’s a new team, we feel we’re a great bunch of boys, very experienced. We rely on each other.

“That was a great picture (of the players celebrating in the changerooms). First tough game far away, tough trip and the way we fight together was exactly what we needed for the start of the season to build momentum and show the fighting spirit.

“Hopefully that gives us more confidence and motivation to grow as team.”

Berisha praised coach Mark Rudan, who copped it from the Wellington faithful who unfurled a banner reading: “One Thief, Three Traitors” in reference to him and players Andrew Durante, Max Burgess and Filip Kurto who left Phoenix to join the expansion club.

“The messages were clear. Not everything will work perfectly, but what was most important was to be a team,” Berisha said.

“It’s amazing how quick a team can work together and work for each other

Mark did very well, we’re going in one direction.

“Because as a new team, when things aren’t working, everyone can go in different directions.”