Soccer: Otago, Waitakere close gap on Auckland

Waitakere United's Jake Butler. Photo / Getty Images

Defending ASB Premiership champions Waitakere United joined Auckland City at the top of the table after goals by Jake Butler and Allan Pearce sealed a 2-1 comeback triumph over Team Wellington today.

Auckland and Waitakere are tied on 12 points each but Auckland stay outright top courtesy of a superior goal difference and also boast a game in hand with Hawke's Bay United.

Otago United's 1-0 win over playoff rivals Canterbury United Dragons saw Otago move into third place two points behind the big two, a result that could see them top of the table next Sunday if they beat Auckland City at Kiwitea Street and other results go their way.

With a five point gap opened up between themselves and fourth placed Canterbury, both Team Wellington and Hawke's Bay United remain fifth and sixth respectively.

Elsewhere, Waikato FC claimed their first win of the season beating YoungHeart Manawatu 3-1. The wins means Waikato leapfrog Manawatu off the bottom of the table to seventh while Stu Jacobs' side fall to eighth.

At David Farrington Park, Wellington looked on course for an upset win over Waitakere when a Patrick Fleming goal on 33 minutes gave the capital men the perfect boost.

But Waitakere upped the tempo after the break and drew level when a Jake Butler shot deflected off Tim Schaeffers in the 59th minute.

Waitakere sealed the points when Allan Pearce's close range finish from a Luke Adams header left goalkeeper Phil Imray stranded with sixteen minutes to play.

In Dunedin, Otago United got off to a great start when Michael Cunningham finished off an Ant Hancock cross with just two minutes on the clock.

Canterbury lost top goal scorer George Slefendorfas to a red card with 14 minutes left.

In a feisty encounter, referee Mirko Benischke issued six cautions and one red card as Otago ran out 1-0 winners.

YoungHeart Manawatu sank to bottom spot after they lost 3-1 to Waikato FC at Memorial Park in Palmerston North.

Jason Hicks gave Waikato the lead with a tidy finish from a counter attack on 26 minutes before Adam Thomas doubled their advantage five minutes later with a goal from another fast break counter attack.

Matters worsened for the home team when Barry Lewis was sent off for a late tackle five minutes before halftime.

The visitors lead was extended when Josh Greene rifled home a sharp finish on 48 minutes.

Tomas Mosquera hauled one back for Manawatu when he scored from a corner midway through the second half.

Next Sunday, Auckland City welcomes Otago United to Kiwitea Street where a win for either side could see them stay top of the table for the holiday season.

Team Wellington host struggling YoungHeart Manawatu while Waikato FC entertains Hawke's Bay United.

Canterbury United have a chance to restore battered pride when Waitakere United visit ASB Football Park in Christchurch. All matches are scheduled for a 2pm kick-off.