Opening day point for the Roesiders

Hand (78mins)

Limavady United (0) 1

McConaghie (80mins) pen

It was far from a polished performance from the Roesiders as they struggled to bring any real fluidity to their play and direction.

That said, even when they went a goal behind late in the game they struck back almost immediately to ensure a point.

However, it continued United's good run against Carrick Rangers who have failed to beat the Roesiders in their last three fixtures at their own ground.

They certainly weren't helped by three officials who made a bizarre string of decisions all afternoon including not awarding at least one other penalty to United.

Glenn Hand opened the scoring for Rangers but the returning Gareth McConaghie levelled things up from the penalty spot.

In the 17th minute Carrick had an excellent chance to open the scoring. Hand lifted the ball over the advancing Robert Robinson but Declan McKeever did well to clear the ball off the line.

United's first chance came three minutes later but Peter Spratt's twenty five yard free-kick flew well over the crossbar.

With 36 minutes gone Hand tried his luck from the angle of the box but his shot drifted wide of the post although Robinson had it well covered.

Three minutes later Nathan McConnell broke the offside trap but Robinson was alert to the danger and was quickly off his line to gather the ball.

Just before the interval Limavady United looked to have a fairly clear penalty when Ciaran Clarke was upended in the box but referee David Dunlop didn't award it.

In the 47th minute Francis McKenna did well to win the ball in midfield and as he burst forward unleashed a shot that drifted just wide.

Mid way through the second half United put together the move of the game. Trevor Hutchinson and Clarke combined to set up Spratt but his shot was well saved.

In the 71st minute Aaron Harmon crossed for Conor Toye but he couldn't direct his header goal ward and the ball flew wide.

Seven minutes later the home side were ahead. McConnell burst through on the United goal and although Robinson did well to save his effort Hand was there to fire home the rebound.

The Roesiders struck back almost immediately. They were awarded a penalty when James Braniff blocked a shot with his hand. McConaghie made no mistake sending 'keeper Paul McKane the wrong way with his spot kick.

Despite some late pressure the visitors failed to create any clear cut chances and the game ended in a draw that wouldn't have satisfied either side.

Carrick Rangers: McKane, Braniff, Hogan, McClean, Anderson, Deans, Toye, Taggart, McConnell, Hand, Harmon.

Subs: Addis, McDermott, Reid, Brennan (All unused).

Limavady United: Robinson, McKenna, McKeever, Neill, McNulty, Patrick, McCaughan, Spratt, Jennings, Hutchinson, Clarke.

Subs: Owens for McCaughan (69mins), McConaghie for Jennings (74mins), Walsh & Anderson (Unused).

Referee: McKeever (27mins), McNulty (75mins), Hand (82mins), Braniff (86mins).