Plains Rangers could have done with an ounce of luck in their Tasman Cup clash with
1st division neighbours Kawerau on Saturday.
The home team Kawerau started the game in stylish fashion, their first raid ending in
a well finished goal to set Rangers back on their heels. Kawerau continued to hold the
upper hand for the first twenty minutes, but all the while Rangers were working their
way into the game. Aaron Muggeridge was desperately unlucky not to equalise, his
curling shot rebounding back from the Kawerau goalpost. Five minutes later, a
sweeping Kawerau attack saw a long cross well headed into the Rangers goal by
Hamiora Awhimate. Soon after, Bas Overdevest skilfully manoeuvred a high ball past
the Kawerau keeper, but was pulled up for having his foot too high when bringing the
ball down to put it into the net. The game went to the break with the home team
ahead 2 - 0.
In the second half, the play was very even, but not a lot of scoring chances were
created. Rangers again came within a whisker when Mark Thompson strike cannoned
off an upright. A tiring Kawerau team held out to win 2 - 0 and progress to the next
round.
The game was played in excellent spirit between both teams, a fact referee David Cox
no doubt appreciated. For Rangers, left back Barrie Hawkes was named player of the
day.
This Saturday, Rangers travel to play Rotorua Suburbs in a league fixture, and will
need to bounce back to winning ways quickly.