United suffered a narrow defeat to UCD in their opening match of their trip to Ireland. Noel Hunt gave United the lead in the first half but as the superior fitness of the home side began to tell, they equalised through Alan McNally from the penalty spot before Brian King secured a win 13 minutes from time.

UCD, who are mid-way through their domestic season, suspected their extra fitness may be a factor in this contest but United sought to impose themselves on the match from the outset and went close after only three minutes.

Willo Flood, orchestrated a great move down the right which resulted in him clipping a low cross in for David Robertson.

 The midfielder timed his run to perfection and caught the ball with a sweet effort 18 yards out but Matt Greg, the home goalkeeper, made a instinctive block with a foot.

United's Garry Kenneth suffered what looked a serious injury in 21 minutes when he crumpled to the turf holding his ankle but he was able to continue after attention.

UCD striker John Reilly had a good opportunity saved by Zaluska in 34 minutes but within 60 seconds United scored through Hunt, who bulleted a header beyond the UCD keeper.

United's lead lasted only eight minutes into the second half, though, as Kenneth was penalised for a handball and McNally expertly converted from the spot.

UCD had chances through McNally, who saw a powerful drive saved by Zaluska, and O'Neill, who showed great pace to race clear but lacked the composure to beat the goalkeeper.

It seemed inevitable that fitness would tell and so it proved late in the game when United's players tired, allowing UCD to exert more influence.

Their second goal came on 77 minutes when substitute Sean Harding whipped in a free-kick for another sub, King, and with the United's players leaden-footed, he hit a volley high past Zaluska into the net.

Team: Zaluska, Dillon, Fleming, Kenneth (Grainger 74), Dods, Cameron (Buaben 46), Flood, Gomis, D Robertson, Hunt, Feeney (Shala 46).

Subs not used: McGovern, Wilkie, K Smith, Andreoni, Pope.