Plains Rangers AFC
13 April 2002 v Otumoetai Three
A big improvement in team play brought results for Plains Rangers when they travelled to play Otumoetai Three in BOP Div 2 on Saturday.
A rock hard pitch meant that accurate football had to be played and Rangers were wary of their hosts who had clocked up a 10 - nil win in their first game.
Rangers put pressure on the home team from the outset and played controlled soccer, based on resolute defence from Dan and Bas Overdevest, Mark Oldham and man-of-the-match Jason Shaw. After fifteen minutes a strong tackle from Oldham won the ball. He played it to Hori Elliot, who put in some excellent work on the left flank and found Ashley Hawkes. It was threaded through to Ryan Wilson who turned his marker inside the penalty area and scored. An excellent team goal. Shortly after, Hawkes went close with a volley from a corner. A brilliant Wilson turn and pass opened the Otumoetai defence up for Joel Ogilvy. The home team keeper did extremely well to come out and smother the ensuing shot. Ogilvy shortly after did get through to extend the scoring for Rangers. Wilson was then unlucky. He was being held by the shirt and just as he broke free and smacked a lovely shot into the net, the referee's whistle sounded for the foul. Rangers led 2 - 0 at the break.
In the second half, the home team came out very determined to gain something from the game. They battled hard. However, on the few occasions they managed to get past the defence, they found Rangers keeper Simon Ruiter in good form. Fifteen minutes from time, Rangers sewed the game up. Bas Overdevest went forward and gave substitute Josh Van Veen a chance. His strongly hit shot was parried by the keeper, but Brendan Cusack followed up well to take the score to the final result of Otumoetai 0, Plains Rangers 3.
Rangers will be well pleased with this result and the much improved soccer that they put together. As of this week, training has moved to Thursday 6pm.
This Saturday Rangers are at home to Ngongotaha. Kick off at the Edgecumbe Domain is at 2 pm.
Forward to BOP Div Two points table