GJ Gardner Wanganui Athletic were left to rue a drop in intensity on their trip to Taranaki as a sole second half goal by rivals New Plymouth Rangers took the home side to a 1-0 win in the second round of Lotto Federation League on Saturday.
After momentum swung both ways at Merrilands Domain, although the match lacked for any sparkly play, Rangers scored in the second half through a header from Taku Warren.
"Just a nice tap to lift it over Matty [Calvert], but it was just ugly [buildup]," said Athletic coach Jason King.
Rangers got a breakaway to enter Athletic's half, which the defence shut down but struggled to clear after a too heavy touch.
As the ball was lost and regained by both teams near the Athletic goal, it spooned up and Warren seized his chance.