Maybe it was the cold weather, or the earlier than normal 2pm kick-off time, but for the first 30 minutes, Taranaki looked lethargic and uninterested.
But as seems to be the norm over the last few seasons when these two sides meet, one or the other will start slow, then kick into life and give themselves a chance after conceding the lead.
And as in their round match earlier this season, it was to be Team Taranaki who prevailed after a storming last quarter to the game to take maximum points.
Even with player availability being a real headache for the locals, to a man the side showed some more of the recent passion, commitment and sheer hard work to almost earn some much deserved reward for their combined efforts.
A Jordan Joblin-Hall strike had City sitting with a two goal buffer at 3-1 up, but to Taranaki's credit, they too showed fortitude and fought back to take the honours.
It was a good spirited game given the ground conditions could well have caused issues for all concerned, had mistimed tackling come into play.
Results:
Federation League: Wanganui City lost to Team Taranaki 4-3.
Western Premiership: Wanganui Athletic 1sts beat Wanganui City Reserves 4-2.
Turn to Page 29 for more on the Western Premiership local derby.
