Plains Rangers AFC
2 June 2001 v Rotorua City
Plains Rangers had a grueling battle at Rotorua City in soccer's BOP Division one on Saturday.
Plains Rangers had an early wake-up call, when Rangers keeper Daniel Overdevest dived full length to make a brilliant save from a powerful shot after 30 seconds. Following that, Rangers played with good shape in the first half. They had a considerably lesser share of the possession, but defended well and twice almost took the lead. After fifteen minutes, a Rangers attack had the ball in the City goal, but the goal was not awarded with the referee being unsighted as to whether the ball had crossed the line before the keeper dragged it back into play. Near the end of the half a Rangers free kick 30 metres from goal, was taken quickly by Ian Finch and the City keeper did very well to turn it over the bar.
Early in the second half, a City attack brought reward. Mark Rollings dribbled his way into the penalty area and his well-judge cross was headed powerfully into the Rangers goal. Midway through the half an ill-judged tackle gave City a penalty, which was converted well. Shortly after an altercation broke out after a tackle in the increasingly physical game. One player from each side was sent off for their parts in it. With Rangers pushing forward trying to salvage something from the game, City broke away to score again. The final score Rotorua City 3, Plains Rangers 0.
All the Rangers players battled away and were unlucky to have no tangible reward for their efforts. Player-coach Christian Wetting, who was again sidelined with injury, named midfielder Ashley Hawkes player of the day.
Forward to BOP Div One points table