KEY POINTS:
Central United's charge towards a fourth Chatham Cup triumph in 10 years remains on track.
In a no-frills effort against a plucky Mt Albert Grammar side, United cruised into the last 16 with a 5-0 win at Kiwitea St to join former multiple cup-winners North Shore United, Manurewa,
Miramar Rangers, Eastern Suburbs and Western Suburbs (Wellington) at the business end of the competition.
Central's greater experience told in the end against the spirited MAGS side who gave as good as they got for the opening 30 or so minutes but were unable to turn possession into goals.
They conceded a couple of soft goals - netted by Dave Richmond and Sam Mathews - before the break and three more in the second spell to bow out but with no disgrace.
Jason Hayne scored two - in the 47th and 92nd minutes - and Mathews his second, with a well-directed header from a Craig Dale cross, to complete Central's victory.
Shore got through 1-0 over Albany United in a scrappy affair at Allen Hill Stadium. It was decided inside a minute and a half when Michael Gwyther slotted a penalty in what appeared a 50-50 call.
East Coast Bays scored the round's biggest win, 7-1 over Papatoetoe away. Dan Peat scored twice in the second half after Bays led 3-1 at the break.
Glenfield Rovers' hopes of joining Shore and Bays as a third surviving North Harbour team were dashed at Papakura's McLennan Park.
A late goal from Papakura City's Shane Goddin sent the game to extra time. Those 30 added minutes failed to find a winner and eventually, with one player from each side and a member of Glenfield's coaching staff sent off, City prevailed 6-5 in drama-packed penalty shootout.
Manurewa, now coached by former club player Mark Armstrong, eased their way through 2-1 over Mangere United with goals from Nathan Coe and Sam Hallett.
Metro continue to wave the flag for first-division hopefuls after their 2-1 home win over Takapuna. Mirko Mamic and Chris Mason scored for Metro and Simon Moroney for the visitors.
Eastern Suburbs had to battle back from 0-2 against first-division Melville to keep their hopes alive.
Two early Matt Williams goals had the home side in control, but Nathan Christie got one back then late strikes from Michael Smith and Leo Shin enabled the visitors to sneak home 3-2.
Only five northern premier sides - Central, East Coast Bays, Eastern Suburbs, Hamilton Wanderers and North Shore - will be in this morning's draw for the next round.
In women's Knockout Cup action, Nicky Smith scored six and Rosie White three as Western Springs thumped Papatoetoe 18-0 but their efforts were not enough to earn their side a record victory as they fell two short of the 20-0 record.
In the game of the round, Eastern Suburbs, down 0-3 at halftime, got back to 3-3 at fulltime. No goals were scored in the extra 30 minutes but Suburbs prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to win through.
Katherine Buchanan scored four in Bay Olympic's 7-0 win over Ellerslie and Ria Percival a hat-trick as Lynn Avon beat non-league Pukekohe 9-0.