Hockey: Capital's 1-0 victory over Southern fifth in a row

Photo / Sarah Ivey

Capital continued their unbeaten run through pool play at the National Hockey League in Wellington but their fifth straight win was not without some anxious moments.

Capital sneaked home 1-0 after holding on against nine-man Southern.

The goal came in the sixth minute from a Stephen Jenness penalty stroke. The southerners, led by Black Sticks striker Hugo Inglis, were a constant threat and forced goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex to pull off a number of saves.

With 15 minutes to play, Southern were handicapped in having Hugo Inglis and Chris Ashton off the turf, but the home side failed to capitalise on that advantage.

In the last two minutes Southern had two attacking penalty corners but they were run down by Tim Gyles.

Midlands bounced back with a crushing 10-0 romp over Northland, scoring six from the field and four penalty corners including a hat-trick for Andy Hayward.

Central and North Harbour's clash was not settled until the 67th minute, when Greg Nicol scored his second from open play to seal their 4-3 win and keep semifinal hopes alive.

Coming back from 0-1, Auckland first tied their game against Canterbury then took the lead before Canterbury got the equaliser in the final minute to take the game to the shoot-out.

Auckland prevailed 3-1 as goalkeeper Devon Manchester saved three of four Canterbury shots.

In the closest of the women's games, Northland beat Midlands 3-2 to help Nicky Mathews celebrate her 100th game for Northland in style.

North Harbour were always in control against Southern, winning 3-0. The margin could have been much greater had Harbour converted any of a string of penalty corner opportunities in the opening 20 minutes. Some wayward attempts and outstanding goalkeeping from Vicky Clarke-Joyce combined to deny the northerners.

Auckland retained second place with a hard-fought 2-1 win over struggling Capital in the late game. Earlier leaders Central raced to 3-0 at halftime before beating Canterbury 5-1.

After rest day today, pool play continues tomorrow.