An unfortunate red card was the turning point in the BOP division one game between Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers and Otumoetai on Saturday. A good crowd turned out at Awakeri to see the clash, which was evenly fought.
Rangers used their speedy front runners to create the chances, while Otumoetai's strikers held the ball up well to create their attacks. After thirty minutes, the first goal came. Rangers won a corner, Ben McPherson delivered it superbly and captain Christian Wetting headed it powerfully into the visitors' goal. Rangers had the upper hand for the remainder of the half, with one of the Otumoetai defenders lucky to stay on the pitch after bringing down striker James Krause as he headed towards goal.
Early in the second half came the red card. Rangers were on attack and Wetting was dismissed for accidentally connecting with a defender who came through to try and head a cross away. From that point ten man Rangers battled to keep their opponents out. Otumoetai got back on level terms, and then took the lead through a penalty awarded for a mistimed tackle. With fifteen minutes to go it looked like the visitors had sealed the game when they grabbed a goal that had the Rangers defence appealing for off side. However, ten man Rangers flung caution to the wind, with the help of substitute Jeremy Hawkes, returning to the game after a long injury absence. Rangers put on the pressure and gained some reward, when McPherson struck a free kick through the defensive wall to beat the keeper. It made for an interesting last five minutes, but Otumoetai hung on to win 3 - 2.
The game was played in good sporting spirit by both teams, with the visitors conceding that they were perhaps lucky to come away with the win. This week Rangers will hope for better fortune when they travel to play the strong Katikati team.