A depleted Plains Rangers’ men’s team travelled to play Ngongotahā on Saturday.

Rangers were missing several regular players and had three on the field playing through injuries or illness.

The good pitch at Jesse Martin Park and the sunny weather set a good scene however, and Rangers started fairly well.

Ten minutes in, Ollie Fort had a shot saved after a good passing move.

Rangers continued to press, and Hamish Wilde got a shot on goal.

The home team roared into action and Rangers’ keeper, Elijah Wetting, made a save but the rebound was tucked away to give Ngongotahā the lead. Wetting made a strong save only a minute later to keep the hosts from doubling the lead.

On the half hour, Rangers created chances to equalise. A Sam McPherson free kick saw his brother Ben put a header just wide.

The latter had another shot go close. Late in the half, the home team pushed hard.

Rangers’ defender Shane Baillie got back to clear an attack off his own line, but shortly afterwards an attempted clearance from goal was blocked and Ngongotahā scored, to lead 2-0 at half time.

Rangers determined to get their shorter passing game going after the break. Fifteen minutes in, they again went close.

Ben McPherson and Fort played some good one-twos, the resulting shot went wide.

The home team were cutting off the supply lines, but a good pass from Wilde found McPherson through the defence but the shot went just over the bar.

Ngongotahā stretched the lead with 15 to play, when a corner was bundled in.

Rangers were still pushing till the end. Wilde made a great run into the box and his strong shot was saved.

Fort pounced on a rare errant pass in the Ngongotahā defence and rolled the ball into the net to give his team some reward.

Wilde made another good run on goal, but the home defence held firm to win the game 3-1.

While Rangers were disappointed with the result, it was a creditable effort.

The McPherson brothers and Wilde were the stand-outs for Rangers.

This Saturday, Rangers are away again, this time to Papamoa and will hope to have a few more players available.