Away loss for Rangers
Central Federation League
Peggy Gordon’s New Plymouth Rangers suffered a second successive defeat, this time 6-1 away at Havelock North.
The Hawkes Bay side dominated the first half and led 4-0 at half time.
Referee Edward Cook gave three penalties, the first after just seven minutes, with Bjorn Christensen scoring for Havelock North.
Goals from Jerome Groot, Josh Stewart and Jack Albertini followed.
In the second half, NP Rangers showed more composure but conceded a second penalty, again scored by Christensen.
Rangers rallied and were the better team for the second half, with Oskar Wano and Hamish Pittams providing goalscoring opportunities.
Rangers pulled a goal back after Pittams rounded the goalkeeper only to be pulled down in the penalty area.
Niall Leggett duly netted from the spot.
Despite NP Rangers rallying, Havelock North completed the scoring soon after with Stewart scoring his second goal.
Team spokesman, James Malthus said: ‘‘We were pleased with our second half display but the damage was done in the first half.
‘‘Despite the result it was a better performance than in previous weeks.’’
Pittams, Wano and Tre de John worked tirelessly for the young NP Rangers side.
Next weekend the team has the bye.
Taranaki Premier League
FC Western retained their top place with a 4-0 win over NP Rangers.
As in the previous week, Rangers paid the price in the last 20 minutes, conceding three goals inside six minutes.
Connor Oliver-Rose gave the home side the lead on 23 minutes, then netted his second on 72 minutes.
FC Western skipper Ben Furze got two goals (68 and 74 minutes) either side of Oliver-Rose’s late goal.
FC Western dominated and were impressive all over the pitch.
In the shock of the day, Waitara beat Kaitake 4-1.
The coastal side took the lead in the first minute through Julian Corral in what might have set the tone of the match.
However, Waitara came back to lead 2-1 at halftime with goals from Caleb Murray (12 minutes) and Brock Wilson (36).
The experienced Stephen Kibby stretched the lead on 73 minutes.
To complete the home side’s misery, Francis Harris put the ball in his own net with seven minutes left to give Waitara a great victory.
Moturoa continued their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Eltham.
Ollie Hill opened the scoring on 30 minutes. Further goals from Nick Parthermore (44) and Aiden Smith (70) sealed the away win.
New Plymouth Boys’ High School also continued their good form to join FC Western and Moturoa on top of the league table.
Mick Curry’s school side easily accounted for Peringa United 4-0 at Peringa.
Goals from Scott Manning (19 minutes), two from the prolific Zach Young (35 and 80) and an own goal from Peringa defender Marcus Brown saw the team home reasonably easily.
In the bottom of the table clash it was no surprise that Inglewood and Woodleigh shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw for each team’s first point of the season.
Charlie Turner put Inglewood ahead after four minutes before Jack Foxwell equalised before halftime.
The second half remained scoreless.