Chch United end Royals' four-game winning run
Christchurch United threatened early in the Southern League clash, but just as the Royals looked to be settling, they were caught napping and Ben Campbell brought down his opponent on the edge of the box.
He was red carded in the 17th minute, a pivotal moment in the game.
The Royals continued to probe and threaten with attacks that troubled Christchurch United.
Daniel Meyn broke the deadlock in the 40th minute for the visitors.
The Royals came out of the break strong and continued to frustrate Christchurch United.
Replacements Will Turner, Rhys Christie, Luke Salisbury, Max Davidson and Luis Deaker tilted the balance in favour of the Royals, who had multiple attacks — including Turner coming close with a curled shot.
They were unlucky to concede with the final kick of the match — Waisea Henry's in the fifth minute of added time, which ensured the visitors remained at the top of the table.
Coach Blair Scoullar was disappointed not to walk away with a point, but praised his side's attitude, intensity and resilience after playing nearly 80 minutes with 10 players.
Wanaka also suffered to a home defeat, going down 3-2 to Nomads United to lose their unbeaten home run.
Wānaka enjoyed most of the possession in the first half and took a deserved 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Ronan Dillow's 11th minute goal.
Nomads equalised when Caleb Cotton scored from a penalty in the 63rd minute, and further goals to Guy Reeves and Cooper Goldsmith gave them a 3-1 lead with five minutes to go.
Dillow reduced the deficit in injury time by scoring his second for Wanaka.
Cashmere Technical beat Ferrymead Bays 3-2, Selwyn United and Universities of Canterbury had a 2-2 draw and Coastal Spirit won 3-0 against Nelson Suburbs.
— In the men's Southern Premier League, both Northern and University continued their unbeaten records.
University are top on goal difference after thumping Northern Hearts 9-1.
Ashton Hodson opened the scoring on 11 minutes, and it was 3-0 to the students before Bailey Chambers pulled one back just after the half hour mark.
Simba Muwunganirwa grabbed a hat-trick, and Blake Allison and Oscar Crowe both scored braces. Sam Clegg rounded out the scoring.
Northern had a much tougher task against the previously unbeaten Royals, but prevailed 2-1.
After dominating early in wet and windy conditions, Northern found themselves 1-0 down after George Barker buried a penalty in the 16th minute.
Toby Orchiston headed home the equaliser in first half stoppage time.
The second half continued to be a fierce battle, with both teams sharing possession. Northern created better chances and the Royals looked likely on the counterattack.
Northern's winner came in the 60th minute, when Asti Wallace whipped a free kick 30m out from goal into the top corner.
Queens Park left it late to record their first win of the season, with two goals in injury time helping to overcome Green Island 3-1.
Sebastian Castillo Viveros' eighth minute opener was cancelled out by Harrison Mclean's 60th minute penalty for Green Island.
The game look to be heading for a draw until Zac Owen-Gear pounced on a loose ball to rifle an unstoppable shot into the back of the net in the first minute of added time. Ryo Okuyama added another in the 95th minute.
Roslyn Wakari recorded a 4-2 victory against Mosgiel.
The game was evenly poised 1-1 until the stroke of halftime, when Roslyn's George Holland pounced from close range to make it 2-1.
Reese Burtenshaw had earlier levelled for Mosgiel after Hamish Mair's 25th minute opener for Roslyn.
Two near identical breakaway goals to Ben William-Davies midway through the second half gave Roslyn a 4-1 lead. Harvey Stevens pulled one back for the home side but Roslyn claimed the three points.
— In the women's South Island League, Roslyn captain Amelie East-Giles scored a hattrick to lead her side to a 6-3 win against Halswell United at home. University had a 4-0 win against Coastal Spirit and the Royals had a 2-0 victory against Universities of Canterbury.
— Neville Watson
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