An early red card signaled a difficult visit to Rotorua for Gary Fowell Builders Plains Rangers on Saturday. Steady rain meant slippery conditions for all. The home team, Rotorua United Blue, got a lucky break after two minutes, with an attacker put through and brought down in the Rangers penalty area. The defender was sent off and the penalty converted. Rangers dug in, determined to battle on. Chances were created, a Jono Whitaker shot was blocked and Jordan Ogilvy headed the rebound over the keeper but it was cleared off the line. However, the hosts made the most of their situation and led 3 - 0 at the break.
Rangers started the second half strongly and the ten men had Rotorua pinned in their half for much of the first fifteen minutes. Dan Baxter hit the post, and Brandon Collier shot narrowly wide. Speedster Jordan Ogilvy was pulled down by a defender but the referee had slipped over and missed the incident. Injuries to Josh Hyndman and Aaron Muggeridge added to the visitors' difficulties and the nine man Rangers side was finally beaten six nil.
Despite the score, Chris Johnston and captain Jason Pullar impressed with their never say die attitudes. Those qualities will be needed again this Saturday when Rangers travel to play league leaders Rotorua United White.