It was very much a new look line-up that took the field for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers in the first round of BOP division one on Saturday. Rangers, fielding five teenagers, including two fifteen year olds, were away to a very experienced Tauranga City United team. Rangers started well and made more of the play for much of the first half. Coach Aaron Muggeridge had welcomed back Josh Hyndman from long term injury, and Hyndman provided plenty of creative spark in the midfield. Rangers' first strike came via a Brandon Collier header after a good raid down the left wing by Jordan Ogilvy. A Jason Pullar chip shot also went close. Late in the half, Rangers thought they'd gone ahead when Ogilvy put the ball in the net after a flowing move down the right, however, the linesman had the flag up for another player being offside and the goal was disallowed. Straight away, the home team used the wind to get the ball down to Rangers goal area and the defence couldn't scramble it away. One minute later the Tauranga City side scored again, with a well struck volley. The half time whistle blew, with Rangers wondering how they were two goals down.
In the second half, the home team controlled more of the possession, while Rangers struggled to retain theirs long enough to do much damage. The final score was Tauranga City United 2, Plains Rangers 0.
Coach Muggeridge wouldn't have been happy with the score, with a couple of minutes lapse in concentration costing the goals, but he found positives in the performances of many of the team. Defender Dylan Arthur was named player of the day, with other strong contributions coming from Kyle Knight, Chris Johnston and Hyndman.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Rotorua United.