Plains Rangers AFC
21 July 2001 v Greerton Rovers
Plains Rangers continued their dismal run in soccer's BOP division one on Saturday, when they travelled to play Greerton Rovers. Both clubs had agreed that the game would be played for double points, to make up for the postponed first round fixture, therefore a lot was at stake. Unfortunately for Rangers the beginning of the calving season meant that some players were unavailable.
Rangers could not get their game going in the first half. A strong cross-wind could not be blamed for the poor control and passing. After twenty minutes, a misplaced pass was capitalised on by the home side despite keeper Christian Wetting's attempts to keep it out. Ten minutes later Rangers' task became even harder, when a high cross was not cleared in front of goal and was headed in.
The second half saw more purposeful play from Rangers, and a number of good passing moves got them close to goal. Wetting brought himself out onto the field and this evened up the physical midfield battle. Midway through the half, Rangers came within an inch of getting back in the game, when a Sjoerd Overdevest free-kick was headed against the cross bar by Jason Shaw. To add insult to injury, a shot along the ground from Greerton shortly afterwards, hit a bump and bounced over the arms of diving custodian Daniel Overdevest. The final score Greerton Rovers 3, Plains Rangers 0.
Jason Shaw was one of the few Rangers players who could hold his head up after the game, and he was named man of the match. Others to perform with some credit were sweeper David Dennis and utility player Aaron Muggeridge. This week Rangers have the chance to reflect, as they have the bye. The following week, there will be some chance for redemption when Rangers host Ngongotaha, who jumped above them with a surprise win against Tauranga City United.
Forward to BOP Div One points table