IT WAS all about the opportunities that went begging for the Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic firsts as they narrowly missed out on their first competition points in the Lotto Federation League, going down 2-1 to Massey in a hard-fought match on Saturday.
Meanwhile the Athletic Reserves tumbled to the second consecutive heavy defeat in the Western Premiership with an 8-0 loss to the Red Sox Manawatu A's, causing some concerns.
If goals were awarded for chances taken, the Athletic firsts could well have notched up a rugby score against the visiting Massey side, but unfortunately for the home team, it was just not clicking in front of goal.
While Ryan Holden again found the back of the net for the Reds, it was not enough as the visitors poached a couple of breakaway goals - exposing holes in Athletic left and right backs - to give themselves the lead.
Time after time, good long phases of possession were gifted to the home side and they worked the ball up the field in a controlled and decisive manner, leading them to several opportunities in the goalmouth.