Central Federation League New Plymouth Rangers travelled to Memorial Park, Palmerston North, to play league leaders PN Marist on Sunday. Rangers could not quite reach the same level of performance as last week, losing 4-1. Again Rangers did not start so well with early pressure on their goal. But for some outstanding defensive work by Lizzie Ingham, Jess Browne and goalkeeper Sophie Campbell, the 2-0 half-time score line to Marist could have been worse. Two quick goals from Hannah Buzan and Kirsty Gledhill gave the Palmerston side their lead just after the half-hour mark. The second half saw Rangers begin to lift their own intensity and get in the ball more.
Central Federation League Despite some treacherous conditions, early exchanges were even, with both teams getting chances. Rangers finally broke through when player of the day Saskia Pelham split the defence to lay it on for Lilly Dowsing, who calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 1-0. Shortly after, it was 2-0 when Holly Kleinsman got behind the Whanganui defence and calmly slotted in her eighth goal of the campaign. Wanganui kept pressing forward and were rewarded before half time with two well-taken goals through Jordan Kahl and Vanya Hodgkinson. At 2-2 at halftime NPR needed a similar start to the first half.
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.
John Kirk-Anderson/Stuff
NP Rangers got off to the best start with Niall Leggett scoring from the penalty spot on 27 minutes
Central Federation League Peggy Gordon’s New Plymouth Rangers got their Central Federation League season back on track with a 3-2 away victory against Levin. NP Rangers got off to the best start with Niall Leggett scoring from the penalty spot on 27 minutes after a handball. On 34 minutes, Leggett was on hand with a 20 yard strike that left the keeper stranded and gave Rangers a 2-0 lead. Levin fought back early in the second half to score through a Tahana Perigo penalty (51 minutes) before Tre De John restored the two-goal lead ten minutes later beating the keeper one on one.