Title challenge takes another big knock

Hand (76mins)

Limavady United (1) 1

McConaghie (38mins)

The single point means they drop back to third in the Ladbrokes.com Championship behind Donegal Celtic on goal difference.

It was a day of what if for the Roesiders as they missed several glorious opportunities to secure all three points.

Gareth McConaghie opened the scoring for United with Glen Hand on target for the Gers.

The visitors had the first chance of the game in the 7th minute but Trevor Hutchinson saw his effort saved after a flick on by David Patton.

Limavady then lost Damian McNulty after fifteen minutes to what looked like a serious ankle injury.

In the 25th minute Carrick had their first chance but Michael Doherty saved Ryan Murray's free-kick.

Two minutes later Ryan Dean's volleyed goal wards but his effort didn't trouble Doherty.

United almost broke the deadlock in the 37th minute but after the confusion of Ciaran Clarke's corner Paul Owens shot was well blocked.

A minute later the Roesiders did take the lead. Another pinpoint Clarke corner was met by McConaghie who bulleted his header home.

Just before half-time the Roesiders should have doubled their advantage. A good run by Clarke saw the ball break to Owens but with only the keeper to beat he dragged his shot well wide.

The second half started at the first ended with the visitors on the attack and Owens saw his shot deflected wide.

Disaster struck for Limavady in the 76th minute when Hand fired home from inside the box.

Five minutes later substitute Shane Jennings cleverly turned his marker but his goal bound effort was well saved by Ciaran Stitt.

In the 84th minute Patton fired in a low shot which looked to be creeping in at the near post but somehow Stitt managed to scramble the ball to safety.

Carrick did have a good chance late in the game when Hand burst through on goal but Doherty brilliantly blocked with his legs.

United had the final chance of the game in stoppage time but once again Owens fired over a good chance.

Carrick Rangers: Stitt, Holland, R.Murray, McNamee, McClean, Prenter, C.Murray, Deans, Bloomer, Hand, Browne.

Subs: Taggart for Holland (75mins), Watterson for Browne (78mins), Bowers & Hill (Unused).

Limavady United: Doherty, McNutt, Rodden, McConaghie, McNulty, Patrick, Owens, Neill, Hutchinson, Patton, Clarke.

Subs: McKeever for McNulty (15mins), Jennings for Hutchinson (67mins), Spratt (Unused).

Referee: Brian Turkington (Belfast).