Caversham produced another strong second-half performance to thump the Spirit 5-0 in the Footballsouth Premier League match at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday.
Caversham led just 1-0 at half-time but overran the plucky Southland side in the second spell.
Whether it is words of wisdom from coach Steve Fleming at the break, or its ability to crank up ball speed and intensity, the second-half blitzkrieg has become a feature of Caversham's pattern of play.
The Spirit played Scots striker Mark Caldow deeper than normal, yet he still managed to link up with the powerful runs of Adrian Fonoti and Morgan McCarrison, making the Invercargill side look capable of scoring.
But despite regular centreback Tim Horner watching from the touchline, Englishman Tom Schwarz had another fine match for Caversham, missing nothing in the air, and with Rhys Henderson in support, fullbacks Jeremy Wild and American Taylor Powers unleashed pace up the flanks.
In the wet, misty conditions, passes hydroplaned across the grass, and Caversham's passing game stuttered, while the Spirit opted for simpler route one tactics.
After 23 minutes, a searching cross by Wild was met by Harley Rodeka and deftly turned past Spirit keeper Oswaldo Rodriguez to give Caversham a 1-0 lead.
However, the Spirit's second half was one to forget.
Team shape crumbled and fitness looked questionable as Caversham attacked over a broad front with crisp passing that found gaps.
Robbie Deeley scored in the 53rd minute and again in the 69th to become the FPL top scorer with 12 goals.
Rodeka (two) and Ryder also got on the scoresheet.
Mosgiel had to dig deep to beat University 1-0 in the early kick-off at the Caledonian, especially after striker Shayne Danielson was red-carded by referee Phil Bulling.
When Varsity keeper Josh Bell spilled a Mosgiel shot, Danielson darted in to contest the loose ball.
Referee Bulling showed a yellow card for the challenge, and as Danielson disagreed, a red card ended his involvement.
University seized the advantage and knocked passes around but, as it has done all season, failed to pull the trigger effectively, and a sterling Mosgiel effort led by Mike McGarry and captain Mike Abbott secured the 1-0 win, earned by Tom Bekkers' towering 17th minute headed goal.
Dunedin Technical also had a 1-0 win over Roslyn-Wakari at Ellis Park.
Tim McLennan scored after 60 minutes and, despite play that was praised by Roslyn coach Andy Duncan, the home side did not put away its goal-scoring chances.
Sean Flett and Cody Robinson goals earned Green Island an upset 2-1 win in Queenstown, while Seamus Gray, recently returned from England, scored twice in Northern's 3-1 win over Grants Braes.
