Anzac weekend football provided a game of missed opportunities for Evolution Painting & Decorating Wanganui City as they went down 3-0 to Palmerston North Boys' High School in the Lotto Federation League on Saturday.
The school grounds at Palmerston North Boys' High appeared to be better maintained for a rugby match, with the grass still long and rough, adding an extra challenge to a team who are aiming to play an attacking and fast-paced game.
A slow start proved costly for the City boys as they struggled to find fluidity against the youthful and well-drilled PNBHS squad, who were riding high after their previous week's 2-1 victory over Red Sox.
Three easy goals were conceded in the first stanza, putting in place a massive task for City to have to overcome if they were to steal three points on the road.
A half-time serve from manager Bryan Mackie proved to be well needed for the team, as they emerged into the second half with a far better mentality than the first, preventing PNBHS from breaching the goal-line any further during the second 45 minutes.