Wanganui Athletic lose to Hokowhitu in their Lotto Federation League football clash at the weekend

Ryan Holden competes for the ball with a Hokowhitu player during Athletic's 2-0 loss in the Lotto Federation League match in Palmerston North on Saturday. Photo / Karen Hughes

Hokowhitu FC simply wanted it more than a complacent GJ Gardner Homes Wanganui Athletic in their Lotto Federation League clash at Skoglund Park in Palmerston North on Saturday.

The home team were hungry for revenge after a loss the week before and it should on game day after a 2-nil win over Athletic.

Athletic coach Jason King said Hokowhitu were also expecting the Wanganui side to bounce back after a loss last week.

"That didn't happen," King said.

"They just wanted it more than we did on the day. It was a messy game and we had our chances which we didn't take. Then we let in a silly goal right on half time allowing them to go into the break 1-nil up and that hurt us a bit.

"The second half wasn't pretty either and we just couldn't find a way back into the game. Hokowhitu managed to pinch another one in the second spell. They were expecting us to bounce back after last week too, but I think we were a little bit complacent at times and that didn't help."