Plains Rangers travelled to play Rotorua United in BOP Division One on Saturday. The conditions were fine and Rangers' hopes were high. It turned out to be a free flowing game with plenty of action.
The game started out well with both teams looking to attack and getting some moves going. Midway through the half, Rangers took the lead. A long throw from Hamish Wilde was flicked on across the Rotorua goal and young centre midfielder Petir Gray buried his shot in the net. However, a lapse of concentration at the back followed. Rangers failed to clear from their own penalty area and Rotorua replied immediately. Straight after that, Rangers almost scored again. Jordan Ogilvy couldn't quite turn in a great ball across the face of the home team goal by player-coach Christian Wetting, playing in the midfield. On the stroke of half time Rotorua took the lead with a well struck shot.
A few minutes after the interval, Rotorua extended their lead when Rangers couldn't manage to clear following a corner. Rangers bounced back with Gray again dangerous, and having his shot well saved by the Rotorua keeper. Fifteen minutes into the half, a well flighted free kick from Wetting was touched home by Wilde to reduce the deficit. Midway through the half Rangers gave away a penalty after an attacker was brought down in the box. It was converted well. Rangers worked hard to reduce the arrears. With fifteen minutes to go, an Ogilvy strike hit the crossbar and bounced away. The pressure counted though, when a home team defender put the ball in his own net soon after. Rangers kept up the pressure and Gray went close twice in the final minutes. The final score remained Rotorua United 4, SLH Contracting Plains Rangers 3.
Rangers will be disappointed not to have come away with any reward from the game, with a couple of lapses in concentration costing them dearly. Jordan Ogilvy was named player of the day, with Ben Howe and Petir Gray also impressive.
This Saturday Rangers start the second round with a local derby, hosting Whakatane Town at Awakeri at 2pm.

Watch out for photos from the game.

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