It was a frustrating day out for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers when they visited Tauranga City United on Saturday.
Rangers played into the strong wind first and managed to battle out of their half on a reasonable number of occasions. A couple of good chances were created, with a Jeremy Hawkes shot blocked on the line by a defender the most notable. The half time score 0 - 0 and a good tail wind promised much for the second half.
Rangers certainly dominated the rest of the game. After several corners were plucked out of the air by the Tauranga keeper, Bas Overdevest latched onto one to give Rangers the lead. However, none of the other chances created were put away. Midway through the half, the home team escaped out of their half and was awarded a free kick on the edge of the Rangers' penalty area. Their captain blasted a strong shot round the wall and into the top corner. Rangers resumed the attacks, but in the final minutes another home team break out came up trumps. Rangers player of the day Mark Jeynes pulled off what looked to most like a good tackle, but the referee deemed it a foul and awarded Tauranga a penalty, which was well converted. The final score: Tauranga City United 2 Plains Rangers 1.
Rangers will need to make the most of their opportunities this Saturday when they have a tough Tasman Cup quarter final away to Te Puke. The last time the teams met in the league Te Puke won a very competitive encounter 1 - 0.