"We knew that Taupo would turn their season around but wish they hadn't chosen today to do it," he said.
What was expected to be a close encounter turned out to be a rout.
Calum Christie, Finn Smith (penalties) and a header from Dave Stewart gave Taupo a 3-0 lead at the break and although Whakatane tried to get back into the game, goals to Steve Painter, Smith and Christie underlined Taupo's superiority.
There were celebrations in the Rotorua United camp last week when they registered their first win of the season but it was short-lived after the club was advised they had lost the points for playing an un-registered player.
However, the club bounced back to snatch a 4-1 win at home against Otumoetai on Saturday.
"I thought the boys showed character today to bounce back from that disappointment," coach Shaun McIlwaine said after the game.
It took only five minutes for United to take the lead when Jason Walker scored from close range before Hayden Jones doubled their lead in the 20th minute with a good finish.
Shortly before halftime United keeper Andrew Gibbs made a reflex save to keep their two-goal advantage.
Otumoetai are a mediocre side at best but they had plenty of energy and enthusiasm. But United were gaining confidence and goals to Harawira Smith and Josh Chemis sealed the win, even though Otumoetai scored a late consolation goal.
Standout player for United was veteran central defender Dave Cheater.
In other games, Cambridge and Tauranga City battled out a 2-2 draw, Waikato Unicol beat Melville 5-0 and competition leaders Tauranga Old Blues beat Matamata Swifts 4-0.
Division two results:
Cambridge 2 Tauranga City 4, Rotorua United 1 Tokoroa 4, Old Blues 5 Matamata 2, HRFC 1 Tauranga Boys' College 0 and Te Awamutu 5 West Hamilton 2.
