Football: Men’s Federation League Central Federation defending champions Peggy Gordon’s New Plymouth Rangers began the 2021 season with a home match against Massey University at Merrilands Domain. The squad has lost 12 players and was unable to bring an import from the UK as in previous years. New coach Matt Hastings and assistants Andy Hamilton and James Malthus have garnered a squad averaging just 20 years of age, with only four regulars from 2020. It was no surprise that Massey, despite having defender Rhys Galyer red-carded after three minutes, quickly took control. From a corner on 12 minutes, Joseph Freeman rose highest to steer a header past 16-year-old goalkeeper Riley Peters to take an early lead.