While it was not a vintage performance, Gary Fowell Builder Plains Rangers came away with a win from their visit to Otumoetai in BOP division 3 on Saturday.
Rangers played good football in patches throughout the game, but their football at other times reflected a bumpy pitch and a swirling wind. Rangers gradually gained the upper hand in the first half, attacking well down the wings. The home team keeper made a couple of good saves before an Aaron Muggeridge cross sneaked past him and Rangers were looking comfortable. To their credit Otumoetai struck back, pouncing on a miss-hit clearance and finishing a one-on-one chance strongly. This knocked Rangers and they lost their way for a while.
In the second half Rangers went back on the front foot. Although captain Richie Nillesen was subbed off with injury at half time, Dean Butterworth made a useful replacement and it was he who provided a free kick for Muggeridge to get a touch to and Rangers retook the lead. Good work from Simon Gowing gave Bas Overdevest a chance, which he steered under the keeper for a 3 - 1 lead. Rangers played controlled football and the chances were appearing. Player coach Brendon Cusack turned well to smack a volley onto the inside of the post but somehow it didn't go in. He then had a shot palmed onto the bar by the busy Otumoetai keeper. In the final minute a home team midfielder waltzed through the Rangers defence to score and give the game a closer result than might have been: Otumoetai 2, Plains Rangers 3.
The game was played in excellent spirit, a credit to both teams and the good refereeing of Richard Kluit. This result leaves Rangers comfortably in the top seven for the split round to follow. Mark Jeynes was named player of the day for another good performance in the Rangers defence.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Taupo One in the knock-out Tasman Bowl competition. Rangers will want to exact some revenge for a poor showing at Taupo in the league, where the home team won 2 - 0.