Deserving a result was not the same thing as achieving one, for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday. Rangers hosted Tauranga City United in BOP division one, looking to build on their good showing the week before. However, it was the experienced visiting team who started the stronger, playing controlled football and shutting down Rangers' moves. Tauranga City passed the ball around well, and supported each other around the pitch. Midway through the first half they gained the break through, creating a gap in the Rangers defence before slotting the ball home. Rangers became more desperate, and got some breaks going forward, but without the finish required. Brandon Collier went close with two lobs, but at half time the score was still 1 - 0.
In the second half Rangers' superior fitness began to have some impact. They won several free kicks in likely positions, but couldn't convert. Jordan Ogilvy went close to putting away a header and James Krause almost scored from a run through the middle of the Tauranga defence. Late in the game Rangers' keeper Brendan Oats had to pull off a triple save to prevent the visitors wrapping the game up, but they hung on for the win.
It had been a closely fought game with little between the teams, but Rangers will be disappointed not to have secured a draw. Oats was named player of the day, with Kirk Bain and Dan Baxter also standing out.
This Saturday there is a break from the league for the first round of the CNS Clinic Cup. This is the knockout competition for BOP div one and two teams, and replaces the Tasman Cup. Rangers have got a home game against the runaway leaders of division two Old Blues. It promises to be a testing encounter. Kick-off at Awakeri is at 2 pm.