A courageous second half performance earned Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers a good win away to Tauranga City United in BOP division one on Saturday. Rangers had several players unavailable, but confidence from their win the week before.
From the start it was a good even battle, with both teams playing a good brand of football. The home team had the upper hand for a while, but steady defence made them battle to create clear openings. Midway through the half, Tauranga City got a bit lucky. A striker found himself in space advancing into the penalty area, desperate challenges from Rangers keeper Christian Wetting and centre back Scott Geddes saw the ball bounce up to his hand then back to his foot and he scored. Despite the Rangers protests, referee Dave Gray awarded the goal. Rangers then put some good pressure on, with wingers Joel and Jordan Ogilvy prominent in winning the ball and getting round the fullbacks. Rangers captain Richie Nillesen went close with a shot that whizzed across the face of goal.
At half time Tauranga City were ahead 1 - 0.
As the second half developed, Rangers tenacity was notable. Defenders Geddes, Jono Whitaker, Simon Gowing and Barrie Hawkes kept their formation well. In the centre midfield, James Mitchell and player of the day Dean Butterworth were constant threats. After fifteen minutes Nillesen bravely out jumped the on-rushing keeper to head the ball in and even up the scores. The home team started using the through ball extensively to try to open up the Rangers defence, and several times Wetting came out of his area to make crucial interceptions. The home team were then reduced to ten men when a defender was red carded for stomping on the ankle of young Rangers striker Luke Overworth. Rangers kept plugging away and with fifteen minutes to go, they reaped a big reward. A long Wetting free-kick was volleyed into the Tauranga goal by Mitchell to the delight of the noisy Rangers supporters. Overworth, substitute Dylan Arthur and a resurgent Gowing had shots well saved as Rangers kept the pressure on till the end. The final score: Tauranga City United 1, Plains Rangers 2.
Rangers thoroughly deserved their win and will look to keep their form going this Saturday when they host Katikati at Awakeri.