Loss makes job harder

Will Johnston 

New Plymouth Rangers' 17-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday against Wainuiomata in the Central League football play-off match at the Merrilands Domain. 

The 3-5 loss in front of a vocal crowd will make it harder for Rangers next weekend as they head to Wainuiomata in the home and away playoff series.  

Promotion into the Central League will be determined by Rangers scoring more goals away from home, based on an aggregate format. 

It was a tight first half with both teams taking their opportunities. Wainuiomata’s Ta Eh Hser scored 15 minutes into the match, followed by Kailan Gould and an own goal. The score was 2-all at the break as Dominic Squatriti scored for Rangers.  

Wainuiomata was physical during the match with Gould and George King playing well up front for the visitors. Both strikers moved the ball into the backfield applying pressure on the Rangers’ defenders.   Its defence also kept Rangers out of the half, intercepting ball and disrupting attacking momentum.  

Wainuiomata’s second-half goals mostly came from free kicks deep inside Rangers half. That allowed Wainuiomata to set their attack.  

Jared Mitchell slotted a nice goal straight after halftime, followed by a double by King.  

Rangers striker Mark McGrath continued his goal scoring form as he slotted one in the second half to narrow the deficit.

Frustrations were obvious with Rangers players arguing with each other late in the game.  

Rangers travel to Wainuiomata next weekend.