Hawke's Bay United beat Otago United 3-1 at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium despite a late red card to claim second place in the national football Premiership above Auckland City.
Auckland have a game in hand however, but both them and Hawke's Bay face a massive task if they're to reel in runaway leaders Waitakere United, who edged City 3-2 at home at Kiwitea Street on Saturday.
Waitakere have an eight-point lead on Hawke's Bay and 10 points on Auckland.
Team Wellington thrashed YoungHeart Manawatu 6-0 away in Palmerston North but still remain outside the four playoff places.
Canterbury United routed Waikato FC 4-0 in Christchurch to remain fourth.
