It was to prove costly, as Craig Jamieson ensured United trailed by just the one goal at the break, a deficit which veteran defender Dean Stevens nullified from the penalty spot in the second half, in the last few minutes of which Suburbs Brett Ellis was shown the red card. To add insult to injury for Bays, Central s other goal was scored by former Bays star Steven Laus. North Shore United ensured three of the top six places were filled by North Harbour clubs when hammering Fencibles United 7-1 at Riverhills Domain. The home side never recovered from the third minute dismissal of Darren Picard, and had just an Andrew Aris penalty to show for their day s attacking endeavours. Shore, meanwhile, owed their victory to goals from Tinoi Christie, who scored a hat-trick, Rob Ward, with two, Neil Sykes and Joey Waught.
Next week sees the top six teams in the league all clashing.
Three of the goals came in the first nine minutes, with Alfie Manuel, Siale Vea and Mark Elrick on target. Below Sports, pandemonium reigns, with five teams covered by just three points. Four of them played each other, with the outcome in each case being a 2-2 draw. These results left Oratia United coach Dave Parkinson rubbing his hands with glee, as his side swept into second spot with a 3-1 win at Te Atatu. Neal Maguire, Bradley Harden and Cameron Miller were on target for the winners, with Chris Whalley offering consolation for Te Atatu as their recent good run came to an end.