The Chatham Cup dreams are over for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers. On Friday, before a sizeable crowd, Rangers hosted Internationale at Awakeri. A minute's silence was observed in respect of Anzac Day and then the game kicked off.
Both teams played some good football, while trying to work each other out. Rangers were doing well through the midfield and down the flanks, and Internationale had similar strengths. Midway through the first half things went wrong for the home team, a bad tackle left Rangers centre midfielder Josh Hyndman on the ground with a broken ankle. Shortly after, the visitors worked the ball down the wing, cut it back for a well struck goal. Rangers continued to have an even share of the game and came agonisingly close to equalising. Late in the half James Mitchell sent a beautiful cross over from the left. Substitute Jono Whitaker met it well at the far post, but the keeper blocked it and the rebound was put wide.
For fifteen minutes after the break Rangers put pressure on their Auckland counterparts, but without creating clear chances. However, an injury to Whitaker meant yet another rearrangement in the line-up, and Internationale stepped up their game to have the upper hand. With fifteen minutes to go the visitors sealed their win with a well worked close range goal. The final score Plains Rangers 0, Internationale 2.
Bas Overdevest was named Rangers man of the match with a hard working effort in the centre midfield. Rangers enjoyed their experience in the Chatham Cup but will rue the loss of the talented Josh Hyndman for the rest of the season.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Tauranga City United, another tough opponent. Kick-off at Awakeri will be at 2.30pm.