Despite being reduced to nine men, Ngongotaha registered a 5-1 win over Melville United in their match at Stembridge Rd.
The two red cards, to Moses Davis in the 20th minute, and Harlem Simone in the 40th, bemused coach Shane Davis.
"I thought both decisions were dubious to say theleast."
Dayne Willemsen put the Villagers ahead in the first minute and Mitchell Miller made it 2-0 after nine minutes. A header from Neil Slater made it 3-0 with just 15 minutes played. It was an astounding start from Ngongotaha and Melville looked dispirited, but in a rare incursion into the Ngongotaha defensive zone they were awarded a penalty which they converted to make it 3-1.
Playing with 10 men, the Villagers, with keeper Shaquille Graham prominent, defended solidly as the visitors mounted a fightback but Willemsen stretched their lead and Miller put the issue beyond doubt.
Whakatane Town have a good record at Rex Morpeth Park but Otumoetai came away with three points after a 4-1 win.
The home team were down to 10 men after 30 minutes. Justin Nichols scored for Whakatane but goals from Joel Hollinshead and Matt Collins gave Otumoetai the lead at the break.
The visitors increased their lead in the second half with goals to Collins and Tim Miller.
Claudelands Rovers signalled they have not given up the chase for the title with a 6-1 win over AFC Fury while Waikato Unicol were held to a 3-3 draw by bottom of the table Otorohanga.
