Versatile Wanganui City fell into the same trap as GJ Gardner Homes Wanganui Athletic did two weeks ago, in an identical 5-0 scoreline loss to Palmerston North Marist at Memorial Park on Saturday.
Having another away match in between two bye weeks for Federation League and Cup play, City had to rearrange their shape before kickoff when key centre back Adam Gill withdrew due to work commitments.
Co-coach Anthony Bell said they had the better of the match in the opening ten minutes, and ultimately would put around 20 shots on goal during the game.
However, the tip of the spear was a little blunt and they just could not reach the back of the net, whereas PN Marist live by the mantra that if you shoot, then you shoot to kill, starting with a former Athletic player.
"They caught us on a bit of a break and went 1-0 through Josh [Smith]," said Bell.