United travelled to Iveagh Park, Rathfriland for this league encounter against the home side who are riding high and one of the favourites for promotion from Division 1B.
Last year United scored a superb away victory but despite a spirited display they could not do it again.
United played very well in the first half and were a shade unfortunate to go in at half time 2-1 down. The home side scored after twenty minutes but United equalised through Steven Kennedy on the half hour mark.
Rathfriland went into the break 2-1 up when they scored from a free kick in the closing seconds.
United toiled away in the second half in an effort to secure an equaliser but all was in vain against and experienced and well drilled home defence.
Rathfriland made sure of the points when they scored a third goal although it was somewhat contentious as most thought the player who laid on the pass to the scorer did so from an offside position.
This week United entertain Dunmurry YM in the league at Millbridge with a 2pm kick off.