An unlucky start did not help Plains Rangers Edgecumbe in their away clash with a strong Tauranga City United team in BOP div one on Saturday.
The home team, with a powerful attacking line-up, put Rangers under a lot of pressure from the outset. However, the Rangers defence held and coped until a somewhat harsh decision put the home team ahead. The ball bounced up from a tackle in the Rangers penalty area, and referee Jamie Webber adjudged the unlucky Matt Ward had handled the ball. The resulting penalty was comfortably converted. Rangers powered onto attack with Mark Thompson charging upfield from centre back, receiving a one-two from Dan Logan and shooting. The United keeper saved it and a defender somehow got back to block Ward's shot off the rebound to clear the danger. Near the end of the half, a home team free kick was headed in strongly at the far post to give United a comfortable lead at half time.
Despite Rangers making three substitutions at half time, the home team continued to show excellent attacking fluency, and increased the lead with a tap in following a break down their right. Rangers put together a few attacking moves, notably when Ward and James Mitchell linked up with the front runners down the left. After twenty minutes United sealed the game with a strong shot giving Rangers keeper Matt Aberhart no chance. United then sat back on their lead, and Rangers pushed hard to get some reward. A strong Dan Logan shot was saved and Simon Gowing was unlucky to hit the crossbar with the rebound. A great Mitchell pass put Dean Butterworth through, and his drive across goal was turned in at a stretch by Logan. The final score Tauranga City United 4, Plains Rangers 1.
Rangers will have to regroup for next Saturday's local derby at home to Whakatane. The best for Rangers were sweeper Harley de Lacy and midfielder Bas Overdevest.