Plains Rangers Edgecumbe made the most of very muddy conditions when they visited high fliers Rotorua Suburbs on Saturday.
Rangers started well, playing some good constructive football. It was no surprise to see them open the scoring after 20 minutes. Richie Nillesen put a beautiful cross pass through the centre of the Suburbs defence and Dean Butterworth raced through to finish it in style. The goal woke the home team up and they started putting pressure on through the midfield, however they were stunned late in the half. Good work from Nillesen down the left created a real scramble in front of the Suburbs goal, with both Bas Overdevest and Brendan Cusack close to scoring. The ball was partially cleared but Barrie Hawkes robbed the ball from Suburbs midfielder Scott Payne and proceeded to chip it over everyone into the net. A disgruntled home team went into half time 0 - 2 down.
After the break, Suburbs came out firing and ran the ball at the Rangers defence. They gained a succession of corners. Eventually they got a goal back, a scrambled effort from close range. To their credit, Rangers replied immediately. Substitute James Mitchell got away down the left and put a ball across goal, wrong footing the Suburbs defence. Butterworth slid in to put it in at the far post. Rangers had to defend resolutely as the home team continued to pressurize the defence. Jason Pullar and Bas Overdevest did a great job containing them through the mud of the centre midfield. With fifteen minutes to go Suburbs Dave Geraets got to a cross and headed it home, making a hard fought final period. Rangers' keeper Matt Aberhart made several excellent saves and the game ended Rotorua Suburbs 2, Plains Rangers 3.
This was a committed display by the whole Rangers team, with Hawkes named player of the day.
Rangers will now cool their heels with a bye this Saturday, and look forward to the start of the third round away to Te Puke.