It was a happy Easter for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers as they continued their good start to the BOP division one season. Rangers traveled to play Taupo with a makeshift lineup, but in the end were too strong for the home team.
Taupo started well, while Rangers were still adjusting to lots of new combinations. However, against the run of play, the visitors took an early lead. Stand-in striker Chris Johnston got the ball to the bye line and fired it across the Taupo goal. Aaron Muggeridge sidefooted it powerfully into the net. Ten minutes later, Rangers had started to settle. Muggeridge put speedy winger Ben McPherson through and he calmly finished the chance well. Rangers were by now winning a lot of the challenges, and after thirty minutes they scored their third. Muggeridge bent a pass round a Taupo defender to put Johnston through and he slipped it past the advancing keeper.
At half time Rangers were in control at 3 - 0 up.
The second half saw Rangers lose their succession of clean sheets when Taupo were awarded a penalty, after a striker was brought down in the box. They duly scored and gained some hope. Rangers worked to snuff out that glimmer. James Krause struck a great shot from 25 metres, but the home keeper pulled off an outstanding save to tip it over the bar. However, Rangers were not to be denied and Christian Wetting scored from close range to make the final score Taupo 1 Plains Rangers 4.
Considering Rangers had five regular starting players missing, this was a valuable win. Aaron Muggeridge was named player of the day, and it was a determined showing from the whole squad.
This Saturday Rangers have a big challenge. With three teams on maximum points at the top of the table, they host fellow unbeaten team Ngongotaha. Ngongotaha beat Rangers on both occasions last season, so the home team will be looking to turn the tables.
Kick-off at Awakeri will be at 2.30pm.