Old Blues proved far too good for Rotorua United on Saturday, running away 5-2 winners at Wharapei Domain to further enhance their title chances.
In truth, had it not been for an excellent showing from United goalie Andrew Gibb and some poor finishing from the hosts, the score probably wouldhave reached double figures.
Gibb was excellent - especially during a second half in which he seemed to turn away one-on-ones with strikers every other minute - and provided the main thrust for his team's scarce attack with plenty of long goal kicks.
Reuben Wood had a double midway through the first half after finishing off a pair of chances that fell to him in the box. He buried the first from close range to open the scores before fortuitously doubling the advantage moments later after badly mishitting a shot from the top of the box into the bottom right-hand corner.
A freaky own goal induced by a typically powerful run from target man Mike Barton made it 3-0, before Geoff Pickard tucked home a regulation finish after Old Blues had received another free header in the box.