A weakened Ballynahinch United squad with 9 missing faced off against league favourites Dundonald away at Billy Neill.
United started well but were undone after 10 minutes when an effort from outside the box flew into the top corner.
Ballynahinch remained determined and responded better than the previous week, keeping the ball and finding Glenn Bennett up front when needed.
Jack Patterson had an opportunity to draw level after a mistake by the home goalkeeper but was unable to get his shot away, while Cameron McKissick’s effort from outside the box was saved.
In the second-half, United remained strong in midfield, but were disrupted when Jack picked up a knock and was replaced by Diarmuid Lavery, making his first first-team appearance since 16 April 2022.
But United soon equalised. Quick play in midfield allowed Stuart McMullan to set Thomas Rodgers through who coolly lobbed the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Ballynahinch were in the ascendency and had glimpses of taking the lead but it was Dundonald who took the lead after 80 minutes with a questionable offside decision.
Dundonald scored again to make it 3-1 with a neat finish at the back post.
Graeme McMullan had a chance to pull one back after a creative ball from Stuart McMullan but for a miraculous save that the keeper was fortunate to see drop wide.
Ballynahinch will be pleased after a better performance and feel they could’ve got something from the game but saw themselves defeated for the first time in the league this season.
Sé Campbell made his debut for the club after signing in the summer and returning from injury, while Stefan Graham made his 100th first-team appearance.
Player of the Match: Thomas Rodgers
Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Alan Dickson, Stuart McMullan, Scott Brashaw, Chris Coleman, Sé Campbell, Thomas Rodgers, Greg Hall, Glenn Bennett (Calum Greene), Cameron Mckissick (Graeme McMullan), Jack Patterson (Diarmuid Lavery)