A lethargic opening thirty minutes put Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on the back foot in their match away to Katikati on Saturday. Rangers had a reshuffled lineup and weren't allowed to settle into a rhythm.
The strong Katikati team put pressure on Rangers and opened the scoring after fifteen minutes. The Rangers defence, with some good work from stand-in captain Paul Inglis and Chris Johnston, backed up with some good keeping by John Noblett, kept the hosts out. Later in the half Rangers gave the home team a fright. Jaiden Ibbetson, playing as the lone striker, took on the Katikati defence and won a penalty. Ben McPherson put the chance away well.
In the second half, the home team were rather lucky to be awarded a penalty themselves when one of their strikers went to ground in the box. The introduction of Jeremy Hawkes gave Rangers extra energy and kept the Katikati side honest. The home team secured the win when a long shot swirled in the wind and into the Rangers goal. The final score Katikati 3, Plains Rangers 1.
While Rangers were not at their best, there were very good performances from player of the day Ibbetson, scorer McPherson and left back Jeff Krause.
This Saturday Plains Rangers will aim to produce their best form when they host Taupo at Awakeri. Kick off will be at 2.30 pm.