Sticking with the plan brought reward in the end for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday, but they had to work hard to achieve it. Rangers were at home to Te Puke and although Rangers had the larger share of control in the game, their visitors gave a good account of themselves.
The first half saw Rangers creating chances through their wingers and strikers, but being unable to finish off. At the other end, Te Puke caused problems on the break and Rangers had to scramble the ball clear several times. However, at half time, the score was nil all and Rangers just had to be patient.
Fifteen minutes into the second half and Rangers finally got the ball in the net. A strong shot from player of the day Ben McPherson took a deflection and beat the well performed Te Puke keeper. Te Puke kept in the contest though. Rangers keeper John Noblett pulled off a fine diving save to turn one shot past the post, and midway through the half the visitors were awarded a controversial goal. A Te Puke striker, unsighted by the referee, controlled the ball with his arm and scored. Rangers were frustrated by this turn of fortune, and player -coach Aaron Muggeridge subbed himself on. Muggsy showed his class by nutmegging his marker, and then sending a good pass to find James Krause racing through the visiting defence. He put the chance away well, much to the relief of the Rangers' supporters. The frustrations got the better of one Te Puke player who was sent off for having too much to say to the referee. In the final minutes McPherson made sure of the home win after good build up work from Krause and substitute Adam Mayor. The final score was Plains Rangers 3, Te Puke 1.
The win was pleasing for Rangers after two weeks with no games. Now their attention turns to the semi final of the CNS Cup this Saturday. Rangers face the experienced Tauranga City United, while league leaders Katikati meet Te Puke. Both games are being played simultaneously at Fergusson Park, Otumoetai, kick off 2 pm. Rangers and City have met twice in the league this season, for closely fought 1 - 1 and 3 - 3 draws, so an entertaining game is in prospect.