Plains Rangers reversed and doubled the previous result against Rotorua City on
Saturday. In the first round, bottom club City had visited Edgecumbe and won,
scoring with two free kicks.
The boot was definitely on the other foot this time.
Early in the game Rangers won a free kick to the left of the penalty area. Mark
Thompson stepped up from the centre of defence and curled a lovely shot past the
keeper, taking his cue from some of the Euro 2004 goals seen recently. From there,
Rotorua City did not help their cause by beginning to bicker among themselves and
question the referee on every decision. Midway through the half Richie Nillesen was
dragged down outside the City box. While the City players deliberated about how to
set up their wall, Nillesen took the free kick and scored! Rangers were by this time
playing very well as a team. They used the wide players well and kept plenty of
pressure on the centre midfield, City’s area of strength. Late in the half, Nillesen was
fouled in the box. Thompson stepped up to convert the ensuing penalty comfortably.
Rangers took a healthy 3 - 0 lead into the break.
After half time the Rangers players shivered together in the cold southerly waiting for
their opponents to emerge from the comfort of the changing rooms. Rangers soon
warmed up and kept City on the back foot. While City did have a few serious attacks,
a solid backline kept them at bay, although Harley de Lacy did have to make one
crucial tackle in his own penalty area. Player of the day Thompson grabbed his
hat-trick midway through the half. The Rotorua defender who had coughed up the
three previous free kicks was again in a generous mood. Thompson hit his first shot
into the wall, but then collected the rebound a smacked a great left footer into the
goal.
The final score Rotorua City 0, Plains Rangers 4. The whole team played well, particular credit going to Bas Overdevest and Brendan Cusack in the centre midfield, and youngsters Matty and Jerm who held their own in excellent style.
This Saturday Rangers are playing a Tasman Cup game, with the league on hold for the week.