It was a case of so near yet so far for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers when they traveled to play Taupo in BOP div two on Saturday.
Rangers lost the toss and played into a steady breeze in the first half. The locals used these conditions wisely, pumping the ball down at the Rangers defence. Midway through the half, Taupo scored from a goalmouth scramble. Rangers then began to take the game back to their hosts. However at half time Rangers were still behind and also had to replace captain Richie Nillesen and sweeper Aaron Muggeridge.
In the second half Rangers used their turn with the breeze to grab the lion's share of territory. They came desperately close twice, with good shots from Josh Van Veen and player of the day Jeremy Hawkes skimming across the face of the Taupo goal. Rangers were awarded a penalty, but couldn't convert it. To add insult to injuries, Taupo also got a late penalty when most people were expecting their striker to be cautioned for fouling stand-in Rangers keeper Jono Whitaker in a challenge. The final score was Taupo 2 Plains Rangers 0.
This Saturday, Plains Rangers will look for their luck to improve when they are at home to Old Blues. Kick-off at the Edgecumbe Domain is likely to be 2 pm