Soccer: Victory gives Canterbury United O-League boost

Aaron Scott of Waitakere challenges with Aaron Clapham of Canterbury United. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury United have one foot in the door of O-League football next season after clinching second place in the ASB Premiership with a 2-1 win over nine-man Waitakere United in Whenuapai today.

Ryan De Vries fired the defending champions into the lead after just four minutes but Canterbury replied swiftly with Aaron Clapham guiding a Daniel Glozier cross past Danny Robinson just four minutes later.

In a match coloured by a total of 12 cards, Ross McKenzie and Matt Cunneen were dismissed for second cautions, leaving the home side with an uphill battle for most of the second half.

Canterbury finally capitalised through golden boot leader George Slefendorfas who poked home Ken Yamamoto's cross in the 76th minute.

With minor premiers Auckland City already assured of one of New Zealand's two spots in champions league football, Canterbury will claim the second unless fellow semi-finalists Waitakere United or Team Wellington - all but confirmed in third and fourth place respectively after today's results - go on to win the Grand Final on April 29.

Although the shape of the final four is pencilled in, there are records to play for in the final round of league action on April 8. Auckland City, 3-1 winners over Otago United in Dunedin could become the first team to go through the regular season unbeaten, while YoungHeart Manawatu, dispatched 6-0 at home by Team Wellington are desperate to avoid becoming the first team to finish a season without a win.

Waitakere, who host Manawatu in that final round robin match need a win to confirm third place and avoid a semifinal match up on April 15 and 22 against Auckland City.

Hawkes Bay United were the team outside the top four that could force their way into the playoffs and even though an injury time winner from Dale Higham sealed a 3-2 comeback win over Waikato FC in Napier, Team Wellington's win made the result academic.

Waikato's Mohamed Awad cancelled out Danny Wilson's opener and Tyler Boyd put the visitors ahead at halftime but Sam Margetts set up the grandstand finish with a 77th minute equaliser.

Team Wellington had a far easier time in Palmerston North as Henry Fa'arodo, Luke Rowe, Dakota Lucas, Patrick Fleming, Louis Fenton and Dominic Rowe shared the goals to continue Manawatu's horror season.

Further south, Auckland were in control, leading 3-0 early in the second half thanks to first half strikes to Luis Corrales and Manel Expositio and a header from Angel Berlanga after the break. Otago United's James Govan grabbed a 67th minute consolation for the home side.

The ASB Premiership takes a break for the Oceania Men's Olympic Football Qualifiers although there is a White Ribbon Cup match between YoungHeart Manawatu and Waikato FC on March 17 and the final round of O-League football is scheduled for March 31.

The ASB Premiership resumes on April 8 with Canterbury hosting Auckland, Waitakere entertaining YoungHeart Manawatu and Wellington at home to Hawkes Bay. Waikato's clash with Otago has been brought forward to March 25.

- HERALD ONLINE