A DECISION to kick against the wind backfired as Warrnambool Rangers slumped to back-to-back Ballarat and District Soccer Association losses.
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Rangers coach Cameron Pyke opted to kick into a strong breeze at Jones Oval on Sunday with the aim of defending in the first half before mounting an offensive challenge in the second.
But Forest kicked three first-half goals on their way to an upset 3-0 win.
“In the end we should have gone with the wind in the first half and defended in the last half,” Pyke said.
“It was another pretty brutal loss. It’s not how we want to finish the season coming into finals.
“We were thin on numbers with injuries but we didn’t really play our best game.
“We didn’t use the ball well and panicked and instead of trying to build up play and put pressure on Forest, we rushed and booted the ball back to them.”
Pyke credited centre Corrie Shields, defender Liam Priestley and striker Matt van Rooy for their efforts in the loss.
“The positives were we didn’t give up,” he said.
“We played 90 minutes and kept attacking.”
The Rangers dropped their reserves match to Forest, 3-2.
Their women’s side had the bye, enabling Shkara and Raya Rantall and Izzy Wilkinson to line-up for the seconds outfit.
Warrnambool’s under 17 boys outfit also fell to Forest 2-4 on what was a disappointing weekend for the hosts.