Rasharkin United Latest News
Brantwood 2-0 Rasharkin United (15 May 12)
Rasharkin finished their league campaign with a defeat in a game which suggested that both sides had an eye on Friday nights meeting in the final of the Crawford Cup. A defensive error and an excellent long range strike gave Brackenwood a two goal lead at the interval. Rasharkin made three changes at half-time and started the second half well, but despite creating several good chances and hitting the cross bar, they failed to score, as did Brantwood, and the game finished 2-0.
Rasharkin United would like to thank Brantwood for the use of their change strip on the night.
Rasharkin United face Brantwood again on Friday night in the final of the Crawford Cup at Allen Park in Antrim, and will hope to defend the trophy they won last year. Kick-off is at 7.00pm and we hope to see all of our supporters there.
Newtowne 1-1 Rasharkin United* (25 Apr 12)
*Rasharkin United win 6-5 on penalties
Rasharkin reached the final of the Crawford Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Limavady Showgrounds. Johnny Kempton was the hero with two penalty saves, although every player can take great pride in their performance individually, and also collectively as a team.
Despite travelling with only 11 fit players, Rasharkin matched the current league leaders throughout the entire 110 minutes, whilst probably enjoying the better goal scoring opportunities in the game. Ryan Boyd gave Rasharkin a first half lead when he ran onto Dale Armstrong's excellent through ball and finished cooly with a left foot strike into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
Netowne responded well, although in fairness Johnny Kempton wasn't really tested until Newtowne grabbed their equaliser in the second half, which came about when Rasharkin failed to clear a corner and allowed a Newtowne player time and space to finish well over Kempton. Whilst still in normal time Rasharkin had two great opportunities to score which both fell to captain Dale Armstrong, the first of which he scuffed wide whilst the second he headed inches past the post from a Lee Barr free-kick.
Extra-time was played out very cautiously, evidence of both teams fear of losing at such a late stage, and as a result the game finished tied a one all. This then meant that the semi-final would be decided by penalty kicks, which Rasharkin won thanks to two great saves from 'JK'.
Rasahrkin will now play Brantwood in the defence of the cup they won last year at Allen Park in Antrim on Friday 18 May 2012 (7.00pm kick-off).
Rasharkin United 7-3 Desertmartin (21 Apr 12)
Rasharkin secured fourth place in the league following a high scoring victory over Desertmartin. Despite going two goals behind early in the game, Rasharkin went in at the break 3-2 ahead thanks to a first half hat-trick from Ryan Boyd, which included an excellent solo effort and a superb free kick. Two more Ryan Boyd goals in the second half effectively killed the game off, and whilst Desermartin managed to pull a goal back, a further header from the edge of the box from Dale Armstrong and a stunning chip from Lee Barr finished the game as a contest.
Rasharkin will be hoping for a similar result on Wednesday night (25 April) when they travel to Newtowne in the semi-final of the Crawford Cup.
Raceview 5-2 Rasharkin United (31 Mar 12)
Raceview completed a league double over Rasharkin in a game which was very similar to their first encounter. Despite working the Raceview goalkeeper several times in the first half, and arguably having the better of the play, Rasharkin found themselves a goal down at half-time. The second half started in much the same way as the first half had played out, with not much between both teams, until a mad fifteen minute period in which Raceview scored 3 goals and Rasharkin had 2 players sent off for dissent. Despite being down to 9 men Rasharkin rallied and pulled back 2 goals through Lee Barr (penalty) and Andy Calderwood, before Raceview killed off any chance of a comeback with their fifth goal late on.
Dunloy 1-1 Rasharkin United (24 Mar 12)
Rasharkin came back from an early set-back to earn a draw away to local rivals Dunloy. In a game which lacked any real quality, the hosts took the lead in the opening minutes as a result of slack defending at a free-kick, which allowed a Dunloy player a free header less than 10 yards out. Rasharkin then drew level just before the break when Ryan Boyd was played through and kept his nerve when one-on-one with the keeper to slot the ball into the corner of the net. Despite having the better of the play for the majority of the match, Rasharkin were lucky to escape with a point when Dunloy missed a penalty late on.
Rasharkin Manager Chris Peacock Wins Latest Killers Competition (13 Mar 12)
Following Arsenal's late winner on Monday night against Newcastle Chris Peacock kept his last remaining life and in doing so became the last player left and the winner of £240.00.
RUFC Killers will return again at the start of next season.
Rasharkin United 6-2 Moyola Park Olympic (3 Mar 12)
Rasharkin got back to winning ways on Saturday with a comprehensive victory over Moyola Park Olympic, and will now play the winners of Raceview v Newtowne in the semi-finals of the Crawford Cup. The game was effectively over at half time thanks to an Andy Calderwood hat-trick, with further goals from Ryan Boyd and Stephen Biggar leaving the score at 5-1 at the break. Ryan Craig then extended the lead with a re-taken penalty early in the second half, and despite a late Moyola goal, Rasharkin ran out comfortable winners.
FC Ballynure 1-1 Rasharkin United (25 Feb 12)
Rasharkin will feel disappointed at only coming away with a point following Saturday's game with FC Ballynure in Larne. Despite a lacklustre first half performance, Rasharkin went in at the break a goal up thanks to a neat finish at the front post from Andy Calderwood. Their performance in the second half was much improved, although despite dominating the half and creating several good chances, FC Ballynure equalised from the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge in the box.
Rasharkin will host Moyola Park Olympic in the quarter-finals of the Crawford Cup this Saturday afternoon.
Rasharkin United 4-4 Clough Rangers Athletic (18 Feb 12)
Rasharkin salvaged a point with a late equaliser in a fiercely contested local derby, although will wonder how they found themselves a goal down late on having led 2-0 at the break. Goals in the first half from Ryan Craig and Joe Patton gave Rasharkin a two goal cushion at the break, but almost immediately after half time Rasharkin conceded a soft penalty which was duly converted, which then breathed new life into a Clough side who had looked pretty dejected at the end of the first half. Despite being awarded a penaly of their own shortly after, which Ryan Craig rattled into the bottom left hand corner, Rasharkin soon found themselves level at 3-3, and a further Clough penalty left Rasharkin trailing 3-4 with around twenty minutes left. Rasharkins equaliser then came in the dying minutes courtesy of a free-kick from Lee Barr, and this proved to be the last goal in an eventful game.
Newtowne 2-1 Rasharkin United (11 Feb 12)
Rasharkin crashed out of the O'Gorman Cup on Saturday following a hard fought game at Limavady Showgrounds. Newtowne started the game well and their two goal lead at the break was a fair reflection of their first half dominance. Rasharkin started the second half well and managed to grab a goal thanks to the hard work of Andy Calderwood in chasing a hopeful ball down, which led to a Newtowne defender slicing the ball into his own net. The rest of the half was fairly even, with Rasharkin failing to take advantage of some good possession around the Newtowne penalty box, whilst they also had keeper Johnny Kempton to thank for a couple of great saves.
Rasharkin are back in league action this week, when they host local rivals Clough Rangers Athletic in what is always a fiercely contested game.
Rasharkin United 2-1 Ballynure OB (4 Feb 12)
Rasharkin got back to winning ways on Saturday with a battling performance at home to a tough Ballynure side. Rasharkin took the lead in the first half thanks to a debut goal from returning striker Andy Calderwood, although this was soon cancelled out by a freak wind assisted goal scored by the Ballynure goalkeeper. After the break Rasharkin continued to press for a second goal, and this duly came when Ballynure failed to clear a corner, leaving Joe Rouke to chip the ball back over the Ballynure keeper into an open goal. Rasharkin then had a chance to extend their lead with fifteen minutes to go when they were awarded a penalty, but Lee Barr failed to convert from the spot, setting up a tense final few minutes.
Rasharkin United 0-3 Newtowne (21 Jan 12)
Rasharkin went down to their third consecutive league defeat following a lacklustre performance at home to title challengers Newtowne. The windy conditions prevented the game from developing into any sort of a spectacle, but inspite of this Newtowne were worthy winners. Newtowne found themselves two goals up at the interval, and the game was effectively over as a contest when Newtowne scored their third and final goal mid-way through the second half.
Rasharkin have no fixture this Saturday.
Brantwood 3-1 Rasharkin United (14 Jan 12)
Rasharkin crashed out of the McReynolds Cup despite a battling performance away to Brantwood. Rasharkin recovered well from an early Brantwood goal, and thanks to a Sammy McConaghie strike found themselves level at the break. United then started the second half brightly, but a second Brackenwood goal and Rasharkin being reduced to ten men in a matter of a few minutes all but finished the tie as a contest. However, the players can be proud of their performance throughout the match, and hopefully this type of commitment can be replicated in next weeks fixture.
Rasharkin United 1-5 Raceview (7 Jan 12)
Rasharkin were dealt another heavy home defeat in the league on Saturday, this time at the hands of local rivals and league leaders Raceview. Whilst the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game, Raceview were worthy winners and the Rasharkin players can have no complaints about the defeat.
The players will need to pick themselves up for another tough tie this coming week, when they travel to Brantwood in the 1st round of the McReynolds Cup.
Rasharkin United To Host Local Rivals Raceview in First Fixture of The New Year (4 Jan 12)
Rasharkin will host local rivals and current league leaders Raceview at Drumbolcan Park in the first fixture of the 2012.
NEW Premier League Killers Competition To Start Friday 30 December 2011 (15 Dec 11)
The next Premier League Killers competition will start on Friday 30 December 2011 (official Premier League game week 20), and will again cost £10.00 to enter. For any of you unfamiliar with the rules then check out the Killers link in the menu bar. John Graham will resume responsibility for receiving team selections and updating the table showing who everyone has selected, so you can be sure that this will be kept up-to-date at all times! Prize money for the last 3 Killers competition has ranged from £250.00 to £600.00 so it's well worth a punt!
Newtonabbey FC v Rasharkin United OFF (9 Dec 11)
Rasharkin's league match away to Newtonabbey FC has been called off due to a water logged pitch.
Former Player Joe Nicholl Wins Latest Killers Competition (3 Dec 11)
Rasharkin United's latest Killers competition was won on Saturday by former player Joe Nicholl. Despite having been in some of the most remote parts of the world over the past few months, whilst he is away travelling with his wife Karen, Joe still managed to text his team selection every week without fail, and will receive £250.00 for his efforts when he returns home for Christmas.
Rasharkin United 1-5 Brantwood (3 Dec 11)
Rashakin's title challenge was dealt a major blow following a heavy defeat at home to defending champions Brantwood. Rasharkin started the game poorly and were punished in a matter of minutes when Brantwood took the lead, which they then doubled shortly after. Sammy McConaghie's goal would only prove to be a slight reprieve, as two further Brantwood goals left the score at 4-1 to the visitors. Despite an improved second half display from the home side, it was Brantwood who grabbed the only goal of the half, inflicting Rasharkin's heaviest home defeat for many a season.
The players will have to pick themselves up for a trip to Newtonabbey FC next week.
Brantwood v Rasharkin United OFF (25 Nov 11)
Rasharkin's cup tie away to Brantwood on Saturday has been called off due to water-logged pitch.
Rasharkin United 8-1 FC Ballynure (19 Nov 2011)
Rasharkin returned to winning ways in the league with an emphatic victory over FC Ballynure. Ryan Boyd made his long awaited comeback after 8 weeks out, and he showed exactly what Rasharkin were missing with four goals and a sensational all round performance. A further hat-trick from Sammy McConaghie and one from Nathan Patton completed the scoring, with FC Ballynure's consolation coming from the penalty spot.
*Rasharkin United Through To Next Round of The Crawford Cup (18 Nov 2011)
As a result of Larne Olympic not fulfilling their 3rd round tie with Rasharkin, the League Committee have awarded Rasharkin a 3-0 victory which means they progress to the next round.
Rasharkin United v Larne Olympic OFF (11 Nov 2011)
Rasharkin's Crawford Cup 3rd round tie has been postponed due to a bereavement connected to Larne Olympic. Rasharkin will now have a week off before resuming league action at home to FC Ballynure.
Carniny Amateurs 2-0 Rasharkin United (League; 5 Nov 2011)
Rasharkin United recorded their second league defeat of the season following a lacklustre performance away to a spirited Carniny side. A free-kick just before half-time put Carniny ahead, and a goal in the dying seconds of the game, when Rasharkin were chasing an equaliser, sealed the victory. Despite struggling with injuries and illness, Rasharkin can have few complaints about the result as their performance was well below par.
Rasharkin take a break from league action this coming week when they host Larne Olympic in the 3rd Round of the Crawford Cup.
Rasharkin United 3-4 Mourneview YM (Intermediate Cup; 29 Oct 2011)
Rasharkin United crashed out of the Intermediate Cup following a disappointing home performance. Two penalties from Lee Barr and a goal from Sammy McConaghie were not enough on a day where poor defending and wasteful finishing contributed to Rasharkin's downfall.
*Rasharkin United Awarded 3-0 Win Over Clough Rangers Athletic (28 Oct 2011)
As a result of Clough Rangers Athletic not fulfilling the fixture arranged for Saturday 10 September 2011, the league committee have awarded Rasharkin United a 3-0 victory.
Kilbride Swifts 2-3 Rasharkin United (League; 15 Oct 2011)
Rasharkin United left it late yet again with Sammy McConaghie's winning goal coming in the dying seconds of the match. Rasharkin had trailed 2-0 at half-time but managed to turn things round in the second half thanks to goals from Sammy McConaghie (2) and Nathan Patton. Manager Chris Peacock was delighted with the final result.
'Despite their league position an away trip to Kilbride is always a tough game, especially when you're coming into the game having to pick a different starting eleven from the previous week. That being said, we started the game well, creating a few chances, then all of a sudden found ourselves a goal down and then two down before half-time. We didn't shout our mouths off at the interval, but I told the players that we needed massive individual performances in the second half to turn it around. The boys responded and were outstanding to a man all over the pitch. A brace from the brilliant Sammy McConaghie and an absolutely top class performance and goal from the talent that is Nathan Patton got the job done, although this was a really tough test.'
Rasharkin United take a break from the league this week and are in action in the Intermediate Cup, facing Bourneview YM at home.
Red Star 2-4 Rasharkin United AET (Crawford Cup; 8 Oct 2011)
Rasharkin United made hard work of this Crawford Cup second round tie, away to lower league opposition. Despite taking the lead thanks to a superb long range strike from Jordan Craig, as well as dominating the first half, Rasharkin found themselves 2-1 down at half-time. The second half again saw Rasharkin dominate the play, although the equaliser only came with around ten minutes or so to play as a result of a neat finish from Sammy McConaghie. Johnny Nicholl then had a great chance to win the game in normal time, but his shot was well stopped by the keeper. The first period of extra-time saw Rasharkin take the lead in the tie, Lee Barr finishing from close range after some excellent wide play from David Junkin. The tie was then sealed when Nathan Patton broke in the second period of extra-time, beating two men before rounding the keeper. Manager Chris Peacock was pleased with the result.
'I'm obviously pleased as the main objective was to progress to the next round of a cup of which we are the holders. We were short on numbers again on Saturday, and some significant personnel, therefore we had to set up with what we had and have a go, and to be fair we bossed the game from start to finish.'
Rasharkin United have no fixture this week.
Rasharkin United 0-2 Dunloy (League; 1 Oct 2011)
Rasharkin United dropped their first points of the season at home to local rivals Dunloy. Dunloy took the lead in the first half and sealed the game late on when they caught Rasharkin on the counter attack. Manager Chris Peacock was dissappointed with the outcome.
'We were really struggling going into the game as we had no recognised goalkeeper, as well as three other players missing, which meant we lined up with a few players playing out of position, which is far from ideal any Saturday, never mind in possibly your biggest derby of the season. I have said for a long time now that, on their day, Dunloy are as good as anyone in the league, which I think was pretty evident in the first half. That being said , we were well below par in the first half, although after some constructive dialogue at half time we were much better second half, and pretty much bossed the play by taking the game to them. We had a couple of penalty claims which weren't given, and up until we got caught for their second late on, I thought we were going to get something from the game. That being said, there are no sour grapes over the defeat, we just have to take it on the chin and move onto next weeks fixture. All of my players to a man have been outstanding this season, so I'm not worried about having to pick them up after the defeat. I'd also like to give a special mention to young Jordan Craig who was our goalkeeper on the day. Jordan isn't a goalkeeper but put himself forward as we were without our usual keeper, so a big thanks to him for doing that.'
Rasharkin United have a break from league action this week as they travel to Red Star in the second round of the Crawford Cup.
Ballynure Old Boys 0-1 Rasharkin United (League; 24 Sep 2011)
Rasharkin United maintained their 100% league record after a hard fought victory over Ballynure Old Boys. A first half penalty from Ryan Boyd, his tenth league goal of the season and sixteenth overall, was enough to secure all three points for the visiting team. The game was a scrappy affair, and Rasharkin had keeper Johnny Kempton to thank for a penalty save on the stroke of half-time, as well as two excellent saves late on. Manager Chris Peacock paid tribute to his teams performance.
'After last weeks outrageous result and performance, it was important we got ourselves into the right frame of mind for this game, as away to Ballynure Old Boys is always a tough test. They're a very strong, physical side who are always a threat from set-pieces. We had to be at our best defensively, in terms of organisation and being very competitive. We started ok, although there wasn't much in the game until we took the lead following Ryan Boyd's penalty. I thought William Beckett's performance in the first half was outstanding, whilst Johnny Kempton's penalty save on the stroke of half time was crucial.
We started the second half well, and could of extended our lead on a couple of occasions, especially when Sammy McConaghie made himself a chance by some outstanding individual play, but their keeper did well to tip it round the post. Again, there wasn't much between the teams in the second half until about the last 10 minutes or so when Ballynure threw everything at us. I have to say that I thought our back five, particularly Johnny Nicholl and Johnny Kempton, were top class. Johnny Kempton pulled off two saves back-to-back in the dying minutes that were nothing short of exceptional.'
Rasharkin United face another difficult league match this week, at home to local rivals Dunloy.
Rasharkin United 21-0 Metro YM (Crawford Cup; 17 Sep 2011)
Rasharkin United started their defence of the Crawford Cup with a record score against Metro YM at Drumbolcan Park. Ryan Boyd bagged himself a double hat-trick, with further goals from William Beckett (4), Lee Barr (4), Ryan Craig (3), Jordan Craig, Johnny Nicholl, Gareth Clyde and Joe Patton. For once manager Chris Peacock was almost at a loss for words.
'What can you say after a result like that? Offensively we were brilliant, to score twenty-one goals in a game is nothing short of phenomenal. We've started this season very well and hopefully we can maintain this form, especially in our league games, as that is the main priority. It's also a great start to the defence of the Crawford Cup, which we won last year.'
Chris also commended Metro YM on their conduct throughout the game.
'It would have been very easy for the opposition to lose their discipline after conceding a few goals, but fair play to Metro, they continued to try and play and there wasn't a bad tackle in the whole game'.
Rasharkin United will now travel to Red Star of Junior Division 2 in the next round of the Crawford Cup.
Killers Prize Money (15 Sep 2011)
The winner of the first Killers of 2011/12 will receive £250.00. The table will be updated and available to view by tomorrow.
Johnny Nicholl Becomes a Father For The Second Time! (11 Sep 2011)
Rasharkin United would like to congratulate Johnny Nicholl and his wife Lynsey on the birth of their second child. Lynsey gave birth to a baby girl in the early hours of Sunday morning, weighing in at 8lb 1oz.
New Sponsors (10 Sep 2011)
Rasharkin United would like to thank the following sponsors for their recent donations:
Basil Knipe Electrics
Basil Knipe of Basil Knipe Electrics presenting
a match ball to Stewart Dunlop of Rasharkin
United, along with captain William Beckett.
Holgar Glazing & Guttering Specialists
Eoin McGarry of Holgar presenting a cheque to
Lee Barr of Rasharkin United.
David McNeill Building & Civil Engineering Contractor
David McNeill, Building & Civil Engineering
Contractor, presenting a cheque to Lee Barr
of Rasharkin United.
Rasharkin United v Clough Rangers OFF (9 Sep 2011)
Rasharkin United's match against Clough Rangers has been called off due to Clough Rangers being unable to field a team. This is an unfortunate situation, as we were hoping to build on the recent good start we have made in the league. However, it is expected that a 3-0 victory will be awarded to Rasharkin United when the league committee next meet.
Injuries Update (7 Sep 2011)
Rasharkin United are glad to report that Dale Armstrong could return from his knee injury sooner than expected. Dale hopes to start training again in the next few weeks, and the Committee's Player Of The Year will be a welcome addition to the squad.
As well as this, Ryan Watton has recently been given the green light from his doctor to start training again following his lengthy lay off. Ryan is now able to start doing some light training, so hopefully we'll see him a Rasharkin United shirt sometime in the near future.
Killers (6 Sep 2011)
The Killers table is now online so players can check how they are doing and which teams they can still pick. The link to the Premier League website will allow you to see the next round of fixtures. | 
