Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers made it six wins on the trot, when they met Taupo One at home in BOP division three on Saturday.
Both teams played a similar style of short passing game through the midfield, which made for some good football in the first half especially. Taupo forced a series of corners, which the home team scrambled clear. Rangers put together some good raids, with Simon Gowing in particular doing some nice runs down the right wing. The game was evenly balanced at half time, 0 - 0.
After the break Rangers began to have more of the game. Harley de Lacy got in behind the Taupo defence, but his close range volley was brilliantly saved by the Taupo player of the day, their keeper. A Jeremy Hawkes shot was an inch outside the post. Rangers finally converted one of a number of corners, Gowing's cross was headed home by the all-action Bas Overdevest. Rangers kept the visitors at bay for most of the half and went close to extending their lead through Steve Vierboom late in the game. The final score: Plains Rangers 1 Taupo One 0.
It was a solid team effort from Rangers with defender Kirk Bain named player of the day. This Saturday Rangers are away to the talented Taupo Nui-a-Tia team, and will want to reverse a loss from the first round.