Clearly Otago has posted a warning not to be taken lightly, as Ant Hancock drove a powerful volley at Wellington keeper Phil Imray, then calmly netted the rebound after one minute.
Then it was Hancock again from a corner driving another fierce volley that rebounded from Wellington's woodwork, and Darren Overton calmly placed in goal No 2 after 11 minutes.
Clearly rattled, Wellington coach Matt Calcott urged his team onwards and exerted some pressure on Otago, culminating in the 25th minute with Tristan Prattley slicing in an own goal.
Just on halftime, Otago had a seven-man wall erected to defend a Michael Eager effort and, in the typical melee, Craig Ferguson was yellow-carded by referee Mirko Benischke - a booking that had grave consequences later.
Leading 2-1 at halftime, Otago coach Richard Murray asked for sustained effort, and got it from his gallant United team.
Even with Wellington pressure increasing, Seamus Ryder and Hancock continued to make incisive attacking runs.
However, but from a clever free kick by Darren Cheriton, Nick Branch headed across the area and, from a Tyson Holmes touch, Karl Whalen laced in the equaliser after 55 minutes.
Worst was to follow as defender Ferguson attracted another yellow. He was then red-carded by referee Benischke with 23 minutes left and Otago was down to 10 men facing an inevitable onslaught by Wellington.
Keeper Peter Evans saw plenty of action, but the near veteran hung in with some brave goalkeeping. Game until the last, Otago frightened Wellington's support when Ryder wriggled free and used pace to set up Joel Stevens who shot narrowly over the crossbar.
But generally it was backs-to-the-wall stuff from Otago, with Matt Joy, who had replaced the injured Jude Fitzpatrick, in the thick of it, and Sam Mepham battling to the bitter end.
But maybe not so bitter as coach Murray praised his players' early attacking bravery, and dogged 10-man defence near the finish.
"It was a great effort by Otago," Murray said. "Down to 10 men, decimated by injuries to Fitzpatrick, MacGregor, but offset by some superb performances - especially keeper Peter Evans who was immense.
"Striker Hancock has come out of the shadows. So long rated highly, but today he stamped his name on the game against top opposition.
"Our midfield, without Harley Rodeka who took ill days before the match, was full of skill and energy. Darren Overton, Mike Cunningham and Sam Mepham were excellent.
"There is a long way to go in this league, but I could not ask for a better start, and we were close to grabbing all three points," Murray said.
THE SCORES -
ASB Premiership
• Team Wellington 2
Tristan Prattely OG 25, Karl Whalen 55
• Otago United 2
Ant Hancock 1, Darren Overton 11.
• Halftime: 1-2.
