IT'S been a tough re-introduction to higher level club football for Evolution Painting & Decorating Wanganui City. But coach Kelvin Francis believes they aren't far off more consistent success.
Having moved up to Central Federation League this season, the team decided to enter the Chatham Cup for the first time since 2012. Drawing the classy New Plymouth Rangers away in the first round of the prestigious knock-out tournament, City travelled to Merrilands Domain on Sunday where they were outclassed 6-0.
"I reviewed the video last night. We tried to play but they were just better than us," Francis said.
The Rangers side, which includes former national league striker Tom Mosquera, was always a tough assignment for City.
"I thought Rangers were better than Team Taranaki [who are leading the Federation League]. We just continued to try and play football and play the system for 90 minutes. We don't give up." The home side raced out to a four-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes before the visitors stemmed the flow.