North End battled away but were denied by Rangers‘ keeper Riley Peters who had another solid performance.
SIMON O CONNOR/Stuff
Tre DeJohn in control. Substitute Sam Jiggins was introduced in the last ten minutes and had a great opportunity to win the game from a Hamish Pittams through ball as he chipped the keeper only to see the ball spiral away. Skipper Devan Leggett was sent off in injury time by the referee, who took no action on the retaliation by North End’s Michael Sheridan. Rangers should have won but will rue their luck in front of goal.
SIMON O CONNOR/Stuff
Rangers continued to press forward but couldn’t find an equaliser the team deserved. Matters were not helped when Reuben Warburton saw red for his second yellow card with 10 minutes left. Niall and Devan Leggett, Taku Warren and Tre de John were the pick of the Rangers players. A lack of strikers is the main problem and coach Andy Hamilton is looking to bring in a couple from the reserve team. Next weekend sees a return to action in the Federation Cup with a visit to Whanganui City.
TARANAKI PREMIER LEAGUE Connor Oliver-Rose continued his magic in front of goal, netting after just three minutes.
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.