A comedy of errors ended in tragedy for United on Saturday when a freak own goal spoiled the party at Renwick.

United fans could only look on in horror as a mix up in the goal box in the dying minutes handed Uni a miracle 1-0 win and robbed United of top spot on the Conference League ladder.

Losses in both reserve and youth grade signalled a rare Renwick whitewash for the club.

But while lamenting his side's rotten luck, first grade coach Brian Hollywood claimed his side was punished for not making the most of its opportunities.

"We had umpteen chances and simply didn't finish them," he said.

"We should have been five goals up by then and this is a harsh lesson for the guys to learn."

Coming off a seven goal rout of Northern United the previous week, the in-form Highlands side's confidence was shaken early on when the midfield was shut down by their big Uni opponents.

This starved United's ball players like Craig Ash of quality possession and resulted in countless turnovers and few real chances.

As the first term wore on the home side started to gain the upper hand but still couldn't convert their dominance into goals.

Just when it seemed the game would finish in a forgettable scoreless draw, a freak deflection off United's Will Jakobs meant the home side left without a point.

"It's very disappointing for everyone and a sad day for the club," Hollywood said.

"But I'm 100 per cent sure that this side has the right character to bounce back.

"In past seasons a bad defeat has been morale-sapping and the team hasn't performed for the next couple of games.

"But this is the best start to the season we've had for a long time and I'm sure the team is professional enough to overcome it."

And Hollywood conceded that his side's fearsome home reputation had the capacity to work against them.

"We've built up this intimidating home presence but on the flip side I think teams are coming here pumped up and ready to play," he said.

Midfielder James Donlan again had a strong game for United while defenders Matt Crews and Curtis Campbell as well as Chris Spilarewicz performed well.

But to make matters worse for United, key players Craig Ash, Chris Spilarewicz and Craig Hutton all suffered injuries in the clash.

In other grades, a second half goal to Gavin Wise wasn't enough to save youth grade who suffered a 2-1 loss to Uni while reserve grade was defeated 1-0.