After a slow start, Gary Fowell Builders turned on the football against Old Blues on Saturday in BOP division one.
Rangers were at home, but the visitors started off with a hiss and a roar, creating a couple of chances in the first two minutes. However, Rangers survived and gained an even share of the game. With referee Ian Finch doing a good job in the middle, both teams played in good determined spirit. Rangers made a number of openings; defender Jono Whitaker got the crowd excited with a long shot that only just drifted wide. Striker James Krause hasn't had the best of luck so far this season, and he had a couple of shots superbly saved by the well performed Old Blues keeper. Rangers finally got on the score sheet when Adam Barkla hit a superb volley into the goal. He then was unlucky to see another shot cannon back off the post. At the other end, Old Blues kept the Rangers defenders on their toes with counter attacks. At half time Rangers led 1 - 0.
Rangers pulled out some great football in the second half, with flowing passing moves, despite the long grass. Ben McPherson headed a well placed cross past the keeper. Rangers kept the pressure up and James Krause broke his drought with a calmly placed shot from close range. Although the visiting custodian continued to thwart attempts with several spectacular saves, Rangers were not to be kept quiet. Krause headed a ball over the keeper into the goal and then finished off another attack to gain a well deserved hat-trick. In the last few minutes of the game, Old Blues deservedly scored as well, to make the final score Plains Rangers 5, Old Blues 1.
While it was a good team performance, a number of players stood out. Centre backs Whitaker and Paul Inglis played well as a pair, captain Christian Wetting controlled things from the midfield, Krause impressed too, but right winger Cameron Wills was named player of the day. His well times runs kept the visiting defence under a lot of pressure.
This Saturday Rangers will need to be in top form from the start when they host league leaders Katikati, in a fixture that has been brought forward from July 10th. Kick-off at Awakeri will be at 2.30pm.