Back in August Hawke's Bay's Sophie Barr read a book called One Step Beyond.

Mexico took a huge step toward next year's World Cup finals, shaking off recent bad form to pummel New Zealand 5-1 yesterday in their intercontinental play-off first leg.

Midfielder Cole Peverley left the Bay soccer franchise for Team Wellington this summer of his own volition.

It was all "riot" over there in soccer and there's little evidence to suggest it will be different here for the All Whites next week.