It was deja vu all over again for Otago as they encountered humid and hot conditions in Auckland. Two weeks previously Otago went down in the second half to Auckland after a brave effort in the first half.

On Sunday, Otago United lost 0-4 to Waitakere, with the first goal in the 8th minute. For the remainder of the first half Otago fought gallantly with chances to Ryan Faichne, David Dugdale and Ben Light before two cautions late in the half took the steam out of the Otago attack.

A goal from Waitakere in the 58th minute effectively sealed the win, with a further two goals in the final 9 minutes and only the offside flag denying a 5th goal in the final minute of play.

The Canterbury Dragons are now breathing down Otago's neck after a 6-0 home win over hapless Manawatu, with three goals in either half including two to Aaron Clapham.  Canterbury sits two points behind Otago but has two games in hand.

In other NZFC matches Auckland defeated Waikato 2-1 and Hawkes Bay beat Wellington 1-0.

Otago United's next game is a home fixture against Waikato on 21st February while Auckland hosts Canterbury.