27 Feb 2012

Auckland seal NZFC minor premiership

6:41 am on 27 February 2012

Auckland City sealed New Zealand football's minor premiership for the fourth time in the club's history as the race for second place heated up after wins for Canterbury and Waitakere.

Auckland's status was confirmed after a come from behind 3-2 win over Hawke's Bay and sets up a fascinating race for second after Canterbury beat Otago United 3-0 and Waitakere United dumped playoff contenders Team Wellington 3-1.

Waitakere United's win means fourth placed Team Wellington can only qualify for the O-League by winning the Premiership Grand Final.

Hawke's Bay United retains a slim mathematical chance of overhauling the capital men if they can beat Waikato FC and Wellington in their final two matches.

Wellington's trump card may be a trip to winless Manawatu in the next round.

Third placed Waitakere are now breathing down the necks of second placed Canterbury United with just one point separating the teams with two matches to go.