Phil Ruggles broke altitude records with his victory leap as the striker scored Otago United's winner in the 2-1 result over Manawatu in Palmerston North yesterday.
Both sides desperately needed points to escape the basement of the ASB Premiership, and a 2-2 draw between Canterbury and Waikato now means only four points separate Otago from second-placed Hawkes Bay.
"Today's points were gilt-edged, and really put us back in the mix, chasing a playoff spot in the finals," Otago coach Malcolm Fleming said.
Yet it looked as if Otago's jinx had struck again, when first-choice goalkeeper Adam Highfield could not play due to a viral infection in his throat.
"Young Callum Flaws stepped into the breach and played very well, with no sign of nerves," Fleming said.
Nathan Knox opened Otago's scoring after 17 minutes. Racing up the right, Knox's long legs took him behind defenders before he cut in and beat keeper Matt Borren from a narrow angle.
Predictably, the match intensified, and the referee was in action consistently, eventually booking Andy Coburn and James Reichwein.
Otago was making chances and hit the woodwork twice, but it was Manawatu that scored to level after 49 minutes. It was the first goal coach Bob Sova's side has scored this season.
Former international Jason Hayne showed great pace before slipping a pass to the equally fast Dale Higham, who rammed in the equaliser.
"We should have had the game wrapped up with the chances we made, and having drawn equal, they came at us chasing the winner," Fleming said.
But Otago kept its composure and Ruggles, who had several other chances cleared off the line, finally managed to toe poke the winner - his first goal for the side from close range after 60 minutes.
The big Englishman had toiled well, and was eventually replaced by Morgan Day.
Shortly after second substitute Alistair Rickerby came on, he made a typical racy break and shot against the Manawatu woodwork.
Fleming also rated Reichwein's performance as he battled in midfield.
"We played some good football, and the lads deserved their win."
The scores
• Otago United - 2
Nathan Knox, Phil Ruggles
• Manawatu - 1
Dale Higham
• Halftime: Otago 1-0
