The Bay Sportsmed Cup clash at Awakeri turned out to be a battle royal between second division hosts Plains Rangers and top of the first division Kawerau Town.
Rangers keeper Christian Wetting was called into action with a sharp save in the first minute. However, the home team, determined to give a good account of themselves, did not get rattled and played some good passing football. Kawerau always had plenty of fire power that kept the Rangers defence focused. After ten minutes Wetting made an excellent save to keep out Hamiora Awhimate. Ali Scott had a shot go close for Rangers as the half developed a good ebb and flow. At half time the score was 0 – 0.
The tempo and competitiveness was redoubled after the break. Wetting made another good save from close range in the first minute. Then Rangers replied with a Tiemen Corporaal shot saved and Ali Scott's follow up was blocked on the line and cleared. Ten minutes later a terrific shot from the Kawerau midfield sailed into the Rangers goal. Three minutes later though, the home team's supporters were celebrating when Ben McPherson latched onto a bouncing through ball and volleyed it into the goal.
The Kawerau team were increasingly frustrated with their inability to get ahead of their lower ranked opponents and referee Norm Howe did a good job keeping the players focused on the game. Late in regular time Wetting saved brilliantly once more, palming a shot onto the post, to keep his side in the game.
With the game locked at 1 – 1 after ninety minutes, the game went into extra time. Midway through the first period, Kawerau pounced on a lapse of concentration and Awhimate got through to score. Both teams battled with cramps and the looming darkness and the good number of spectators were well entertained till the end. Kawerau did well to slow the game down when they had possession and after 120 minutes they had the win, 2 – 1.
Player-coach Christian Wetting and Ian Ferguson were jointly named players of the day for Rangers. However, all players turned in excellent performances.
This Saturday league action returns, with Plains Rangers at home to Rotorua United.
On Sunday Alignments Plus Ltd Plains Rangers women had a heavy loss and lost their keeper to a serious injury when they travelled to competition leaders Old Blues.