Compare that to the top three teams, Coffs City United (4), Boambee (10) and Port Saints (8).

It was a similar affair in the CPL Southern Conference.

Despite finishing first the Rangers conceded 10 goals in six games while Port United had five put on them and Port Saints saw six sail into the back of their net.

In the CPL Southern grand final, Rangers were on the wrong end of 3-2 scoreline.

With all that in mind, you can understand why new coach Simon Tamblyn is hell bent on fixing their issues at the back with formation and positional adjustments.

"I'm trying to build a better defensive line, we need to stop winning games with scorelines like 5-4," he told the Argus.

"I thought we looked good in the FFA Cup match but still managed to let goals in."

This weekend they'll come up against the Sawtell Scorpions at Toormina Oval to start their CPL season who also have a new head coach in Joe Skrtic.

The Scorpions are well known for their junior development having been awarded five stars under the National Club Development Program in 2020.

"It'll be a tough ask going up there," Tamblyn said.

Rangers early season form has been patchy with the FFA Cup loss to Saints and two trials against Bellingen and Port United.

Tamblyn puts that down to player availability.

"We're yet to have a full squad and with no strikers we've been a bit under done," he said.

"Some players have had other things happening but we've gained a few back after the cricket season."

With two players sent off in the FFA Cup game, discipline is a trait he's really hoping to instill into the squad.

"We had someone sent off in the last two trial games and the FFA Cup and they've been told they're on their last legs because we can't afford to play games with men short," he told CPL media.

"Football games are hard enough to win as it is.

"I'm a life member of the club and have previously been refereeing the local competition for five to 10 years."

"Whether he's right or wrong, there needs to be respect for the referee."

This weekend will see prolific striker Chad Applegate return to the squad after previously being unavailable due to work commitments.

"Chad is back so that makes me a little less nervous and allows us to apply a bit of pressure up front," he said.

"Sean Brucesmith also looks like he's returning and that'll make a difference."

Kick off is at 3 on Saturday.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: