One of the national league's most lopsided records was extended when Auckland City beat Southern United 3-0 at Kiwitea St yesterday.
Southern (previously Otago United) has registered just one win in games between the sides.
In the battle of exotic nationals, Brazilian coach Luiz Uehara was again short of his preferred starting XI, with Logan Wrightwebb, Jacob Schneider, Jefferson Potrich and Aajay Cunningham unavailable.
In contrast, Spaniard Ramon Tribulietx, the Auckland coach, fielded players missing in the 1-0 loss to Waitakere, and his experienced trio of Mario Bilen, Chris Bale and Alex Feneridis helped dominate Southern.
There were early glimpses of hope for Uehara as Andrew Ridden made a typical powerful run forward, and Regan Coldicott flighted a cross that found Taylor McCormack in front of goal.
But, against a team that regularly competes in World Club Cups and Oceania tournaments, it took just 27 minutes before a cross by Darren White was expertly headed in by Feneridis.
Southern found it hard to contain Auckland's short passing game and Daniel Koprivcic set up White to make it 2-0 despite Southern keeper Tom Batty getting a touch.
After halftime, Geordie Mansford pushed forward and delivered a couple of telling crosses, but brave resistance could not stop Sam Burfoot scoring in the 71st minute, from a Rory Turner cross.
Southern's focus now is on Sunday's 1pm match in Dunedin, where Waikato-Bay of Plenty will try to repel Uehara's side, which is three points behind, but has a game in hand.
''We are looking for a strong finish to the season with virtually three home matches,'' Uehara said.
''WaiBOP on Sunday, then Auckland here, and finally Wanderers the week afterwards in Invercargill.''
Former Otago player Harley Rodeka scored for Hawkes Bay in its 1-0 win over Wanderers yesterday.
ASB Premiership
The scores
Auckland City 3
Alex Feneridis 27, Darren White 34, Sam Burfoot 72
Southern United 0
Halftime: Auckland 2-0.
