United's predilection for conceding soft early goals has introduced more than a few grey hairs in the mane of coach Mike Fridge.
There was another example last week as his team conceded two goals within four minutes against Auckland.
''And we've done similar against several other teams this season,'' said Fridge, who is at a loss to understand the situation.
Possibly two factors apply. Fridge's team is very young by national league standards.
The average age of the opposition is mid to late 20s, whereas Southern has regularly fielded several defenders who were young enough to qualify for the club's youth team.
Injuries have also robbed the team of leadership on the field.
Last week, a late injury precluded captain Victor da Costa, and he joined a group that would all possibly be first-choice selections: Eder Franchini Pasten, Matt Joy, David Hayman, Tom Connor, Morgan Day and Liam Little.
''The frustrating part is that, for the bulk of the games, we have played well,'' Fridge said.
''Last week, we had plenty of possession, were back in the game despite that horrific start, and looked capable of pinching a draw.
''But the hoodoo struck again as we conceded another early goal in the second half, and despite again climbing into the game, we came away with another loss.''
From a developmental point of view, the coach appreciates that several young players such as Will McIntyre and Tim McLennan had shown potential.
''But at this stage of the season, we need results.''
Today's opponent, the Wellington Phoenix's reserve side, came out on top of a seven-goal thriller in Invercargill in the last round, winning 4-3 despite a top Southern display which might have doubled its goal tally.
''When you score three, you should win the game,'' Fridge said.
Now, the Phoenix is perched five points ahead of last-placed Southern, so a Southern win is required to reduce the gap.
The Phoenix can certainly score goals - it slotted three each against Waitakere, Wellington, Auckland and Wanderers, four against Southern, and five in a wild 5-2 win over Hawkes Bay.
But while coach Andy Hedge's side has scored 24 goals, it has also conceded 26, in comparison with Southern's statistics of having scored 14 and conceded 27 goals.
One way or another, both keepers should see some action at the Hutt Recreation Ground today.
Southern v Phoenix
Hutt Rec Ground, today, 2pm
Southern United: Liam Little, Ross Howard, Craig Ferguson, Cam Attwood, George Milne, Andrew Ridden, Victor da Costa, Tom Jackson, Josh Stewart, Al Rickerby, Jude Fitzpatrick, Nick Hindson, Tim McLennan, Michael Neavison, Josh Dijkstra.
Phoenix reserves: Oliver Sail, Alex Rodriguez, Joe Bell, Tyler Boyd, Alex Rufer, Matthew Ridenton, Joel Stevens, Andrew Blake, Tamupiwa Dimario, James McGarry, Sam Wilson, Nathaniel Hailemariam, Justin Gulley, Xavier Pratt, Marcel Kampman.
