Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers pulled off their biggest win of the season on Saturday. Rangers were away to the unbeaten league leaders, AFC Fury.
Rangers lost the toss and played into the wind in the first half. Fury had, as expected, more territory, but Rangers held their shape well and when the home team did break through, keeper Christian Wetting mopped up admirably. The play was well spread out, and when Rangers did attack, they caused problems. Late in the half Rangers won a corner. It went just over danger man Bas Overdevest's head, but was controlled by striker Aaron Muggeridge, who laid it back invitingly for Jeremy Hawkes. Hawkes hit it with the outside of his foot, swerving it away from the Fury keeper into the top corner of the goal.
After half time the hosts came out with plenty of determination to preserve their unbeaten season. Their talented assortment of Brazilians, Africans and Britons pressed hard for an equaliser, with a lot of good football being played in the Rangers half. However, dogged defence from the Rangers' backs and midfield and several top notch saves from Wetting kept them out. With both sides exhausted, the final whistle eventually blew, AFC Fury 0, Plains Rangers 1.
This was a supreme effort from the whole line-up and it was met with subdued congratulations from the Fury side. This Saturday Rangers will play their home game against Taupo at Awakeri, with their pitch at the Edgecumbe Domain being resurfaced by the Whakatane District council.