On Saturday Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers travelled to Papamoa for their CNS Cup quarter final.
Rangers played into the strong steady breeze blowing down the pitch and settled to their work fairly quickly. While the home team used the wind to try and pin Rangers back, they ended up having to fend off some concerted attacks from the visitors. Richie Nillesen looked to have opened the scoring for Rangers. He had the ball nestling in the net, but was pulled back for a tight off-side decision. Ben McPherson headed narrowly wide from a Christian Wetting free kick. A good pass from Wetting put right winger Cameron Wills in on goal. His shot was blocked by the Papamoa keeper, but player of the day Adam Barkla followed up to score. The Rangers defence, with Paul Inglis and Jono Whitaker combining well, kept things fairly tight, shepherding a number of through balls safely over the goal line to thwart the hosts.
In the second half Rangers started where they'd left off. A Ben McPherson free kick brought a good save out of the Papamoa keeper. Some direct play through the centre midfield ended with Barkla smacking home a good goal from twenty metres to double Rangers' lead. Left back Jeff Krause went close to great goal when he went on a solo run, cutting through into the penalty area but his shot was well saved. However, the home team didn't lie down, and played their best football in the final twenty minutes. When they were awarded a late penalty, their hopes and endeavour rose, but Rangers held firm and took a deserved win, 2 - 1.
The semi final of the Cup will be played in late August (28th), so Rangers will await the draw with interest. Of more pressing importance is this Saturday's home game with local rivals Whakatane Town. Rangers took out the closely fought first round clash, so Whakatane will come to Awakeri to try and even the scores. Kick off will be at 2.30pm.