Speaking Portuguese would have been an advantage to Gary
Fowell Builders Plains Rangers when they hosted AFC Fury in BOP div two
on Saturday. Fury is a side mainly made up of Brazilians with a mix of
other imports, and they played football with flair at the Edgecumbe Domain.
Fury put a lot of pressure on the home side throughout the first half,
but in the main Rangers coped well. Solid defence was backed up by player-coach
Christian Wetting being quick off his goalkeeper's line and being strong
in his saves. Rangers captain Richie Nillesen battled through illness
for the first half before having to be replaced.
However Fury twice were awarded penalties for challenges in the Rangers
box, and they converted both well. The visitors led 2 - 0 at half time.
The more the second half developed, the more Rangers came into the game.
Tireless centre midfield efforts from Bas Overdevest and player of the
day Simon Gowing kept the talented Fury midfield honest. Up front, Josh
Van Veen and Jono Whitaker threatened several times, but couldn't put
away a goal that would have really got the vocal home crowd going. The
Rangers defence might not have understood their opponents' communications,
but they learned to deal with the quick one-twos and the flicks, which
kept most threats to Wetting's goal away from the dangerous close range
attacks. It was a very good second half effort from the home team, but
the score remained Plains Rangers 0, AFC Fury 2.
This coming Saturday Rangers have a rematch of their first round clash
with Whakatane. This time the game is at Rex Morpeth Park.
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