UNITED suffered a heavy defeat due more to errors than any other reason. Credit to the home side, they cashed in on the goal opportunities presented to them during the game.

The first error took place in six minutes when an ill-disciplined United defence was caught out by an angled cross collected by Wright who rattled the ball past keeper Charles putting Pace 1-0 ahead.

United tried hard to get some cohesive pattern to their game but in truth were second to every ball. The midfield just weren't clicking and Pace controlled everything that came their way and went in at half time worthy leaders.

United opened the second half with a more offensive pattern and Templeton hit side netting with an angled drive, and Deerie headed a Haining corner over bar. After a Pace attack United's Brown had a run at defence but parting effort went for a goal kick. The home side started to get back into the game and in 56 minutes made it 2-0 when Roger out-jumped the United defence and headed home a Grant cross.

United tried hard to get back into the game but Pace had full control and United offered little up front. Ally Brown pulled one back for United when he cut through the home defense and netted with a well directed drive. The game dragged on and when, after 75 minutes, United's right back Millar was unfortunate to put into his own net trying to clear and five minutes later Jackson made it 4-1 to Pace as United failed again to clear any danger.

CUMBERNAULD UNITED: Charles, Millar, Haining, McKenzie, Deerie, Brown, Burns, Steele, McCandie, Brannan, Templeton. Subs: Bradley, Nisbet, Queen, Brown.

DUNIPACE: Strachan, Moffat, Pincombe, McMillan, McCafferty, Orr, Wright, Cairney, Roger, Grant, Cullen. Subs: McCafferty, Adam, Jackson, Donnelly, Meighgan.

The league programme kicks off next Saturday but United have no game. The following Saturday, August 30, United are at home to St Anthony in their first league game.