Plains Rangers AFC
1 September 2001 v Kawerau Town
Plains Rangers played their final soccer game for the season at Kawerau on Saturday. After an even first half, the game turned into an exhibition match for the home team as they celebrated securing 3rd place in the league.
Kawerau got a very early goal, capitalising on some casual passing in the Rangers defence. Then Rangers set about redeeming themselves. After ten minutes a Sjoerd Overdevest corner was volleyed strongly by striker Felix Brandts, unfortunately onto the goal post. However, another corner ensued. Bas Overdevest did very well to back-head the ball into the reach of left back Daniel Overdevest, who smashed it into the net. Attacks ranged up and down the park, with some entertaining football being played in the slippery conditions. Near half time, however, Kawerau scored twice in the space of a couple of minutes to take a 3 - 1 lead into the break.
In the second half, Kawerau turned on some good football. Despite Rangers' keeper Christian Wetting being in excellent form, they eventually scored a further four times to record a 7 - 1 victory.
This was a willingly contested game, despite the lopsided looking final score, but it was played in good spirit. Player of the day for Rangers was Steve Vierboom, who made some good tackles and showed plenty of determination. While the season has been a disappointment for Rangers, their team spirit lasted through to the end.
Forward to BOP Div One points table