It was a miserable day for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers when they hosted Tauranga City United on Saturday.
Rangers, already struggling with injuries and player unavailability started in unconvincing fashion against second placed TCU. The visitors, mainly made up of South American imports, got two early goals, one of which while Rangers were still appealing that the visiting keeper had picked up a back pass. Rangers then got into the game and ended the first half strongly, creating two excellent chances.
In the second half the game continued as an even contest, until home team winger Jeremy Hawkes was stretchered off with a serious knee injury. After that an own goal, a deflected shot and a missed penalty illustrated the home team's misfortune. TCU ran out the winners 4 - 0.
Rangers will have to reassemble their meagre playing resources and take on the well performed Old Blues team away this Saturday. Caleb Hyndman set a great example to his team mate with an excellent display, filling in in the centre midfield role with a player of the day effort.