Four points separate the top three and the bottom three teams after the latest round in the WaiBop Federation League.
AFC Fury extended their lead to three points after a closer than expected 1-0 win over Whakatane Town. Tauranga Old Blues moved within a single point of second place aftera comfortable 4-1 win over Melville.
Ngongotaha failed to repeat last week's devastating form at Links Ave, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Tauranga City. The Villagers' second place is now under threat from Old Blues.
There was a surprise at Fergusson Park, with bottom-of-the-table Otumoetai beating Taupo 1-0 to register their first win of the season. Although they have games in hand Taupo are sliding towards the relegation zone.
Not for the first time this season Rotorua United supporters were given a glimmer of hope when the teams headed for the changing rooms locked at 1-1, with Gary Hamilton-Irvine scoring for United. However, Waikato Unicol dominated the second half scoring twice to run out comfortable 3-1 winners.
The United line-up was notable for the inclusion of Shadley Petersen, who hadn't played since last season. Gavin Gilbert and Josh Chemise were the best on the day for United.
In a mid-table clash Matamata Swifts defeated Cambridge 3-0. In division two results Matamata lost to Cambridge 2-1, Papamoa beat Old Blues 3-2, Tokoroa were beaten by Te Awamutu 2-1 and West Hamilton went down to HRFC 4-0.
