The football might not have been as pretty as the week before, but Plains Rangers
Edgecumbe were pleased with the result when they hosted Tauranga City United on
Saturday.
Rangers started the game the better of the two sides, holding their possession and
communicating well. However, it was a very competitive game, with both teams
testing the other to the full. After 30 minutes, Rangers got their noses in front. Dan
Logan received the ball in the Tauranga penalty area, and beat his marker before
slotting it past the keeper. Logan and Richie Nillesen, with Bas Overdevest in support,
gave the Tauranga team plenty to think about for the rest of the half.
After the interval the visitors threw everything at Rangers. Stand-in keeper Matt Ward
excelled, making a number of good saves. The Rangers team kept them out, Jason
Pullar dropping back into defence to help stem the tide. The final score Plains
Rangers Edgecumbe 1, Tauranga City United 0.
Referee Michel Nillesen impressed with his handling of the game. Player of the day
was shared by defender Harley de Lacy and keeper Ward. Rangers will be well
pleased with the points, and will look forward to the local derby with Whakatane this
Saturday. Kick-off at Rex Morpeth Park is at 2.30pm