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.
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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.
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.