North End battled away but were denied by Rangers‘ keeper Riley Peters who had another solid performance.
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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.
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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.
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.