Even though they were the home team, it took Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers quite a while to adjust to the bumpy Awakeri pitch. Rangers hosted Rotorua United Blue in their BOP division one clash, looking to get a good result.
Both teams started off with plenty of intensity, but the quality of football was poor to begin with. After fifteen minutes, the Rangers defence couldn't deal with a long throw and United scored with a well placed shot. The home team pushed forward, but the passes weren't sticking and the visitors doubled their lead after some miscommunication on the edge of the Rangers penalty area. Although the frustration was starting to show, Rangers lifted their game in the final part of the half, and started to make some good raids on the United goal. Brandon Collier floated a good corner across, it was headed strongly at the keeper by captain Jason Pullar and Jordan Ogilvy buried the rebound to give Rangers some confidence. At half time the score was 2 - 1 to United.
After the break, Rangers played the better football and the chances started to come. Collier got some good breaks down the right, and Pullar pushed forward well to add the extra attacker. Substitute Luke Overworth used his speed to advantage and came close with a couple of strikes. He also had his team mates shouting for a penalty after one run into the box. Rangers' pressure continued, Ogilvy had a good chance, and then late on Pullar almost got a good shot under the keeper. However, try as they might Rangers couldn't grab the equalizer. The final score was unchanged from half time.
Rangers player of the day was Jordan Ogilvy, other strong contributions came from Jason Pullar and Brandon Collier. This Saturday Rangers are away to Ngongotaha Raukura.