By TERRY MADDAFORD
The national league formbook took another hiding with Manawatu the big mover in a day of surprise results.
Manawatu's 1-0 home win over Dunedin Technical - courtesy of a goal by Isaac Duker in the 72nd minute, his seventh of the season - earned his side maximum points and a place in the top four.
The side profited from drawn games involving the leading sides and Tauranga City's comprehensive win over University Mt Wellington.
Leaders Miramar Rangers had a see-saw battle with struggling Christchurch City at Centennial Park before taking a point from their 3-3 draw.
The visitors had the early lead through Brent Fisher, before the home side scored twice in six minutes for a halftime advantage of 2-1.
Fisher's second had City back to 2-2 before Graeme Little, too, grabbed a second to go to the top of scoring list with 12.
Dave Tregenza snatched an 89th-minute equaliser to spoil Miramar's party and leave them where they had started the day - a point clear at the top of the table.
Central could have taken the lead but they, too, were stung by a late equaliser on their trip to Fred Taylor Park, where Waitakere City were justly rewarded with a late Bronson Keeler goal.
The visitors had gone ahead after 24 minutes when Bruce Hill whipped home a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area. The second half was almost all Waitakere.
Opposing captains and defensive kingpins Ryan Dawkins and Michael Ridenton (Central) had strong games.
Metro's hopes of catching Napier City Rovers on the rebound after a couple of sub-par efforts were shortlived.
Chris McIvor had the visitors ahead after five minutes at Albie Turner Field. Captain Martin Akers doubled that five minutes later and Jimmy Cudd made it three on the half- hour.
Second-half goals for Paul Halford and David Geary completed the 5-0 rout, which was soured with the last-minute sending-off of former international Perry Cotton, who will miss next week's clash with Waitakere.
Tauranga City also enjoyed a flying start, at Links Ave, where Andrew Dixon stung Uni-Mount with a goal in the fourth minute.
Tony Lochead increased that after 23 minutes for a halftime lead of 2-0.
Two second-half goals from Dion Bartosh stretched the advantage to four and allowed Bartosh to join Little at the top of the scoring chart. James Patterson got one back for the visitors in the 68th minute.
Tauranga have another chance to continue their mid-season charge in the Southern Trust-sponsored league with a home game against Miramar.
Soccer: Manawatu make the running in day of surprises
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