Initially, it looked like Otago would struggle to clock up its third consecutive win over a Manawatu side full of experience and solid foreign players.
Striker Nobu Ishu, who scored twice against Canterbury last season, did it again with a morale-crumpling second-minute goal for Manawatu.
Then, just when Otago looked to have settled, Manawatu's Cory Chettleburgh carved through and set up Jimmy Haidakis to make it 2-0.
But Otago made an inspired start to the second half with penetrating runs up both wings. Pace and quality delivery by Harley Rodeka on the right and Tristan Prattley on the left had Manawatu's defence scrambling.
Then another top cross by Regan Coldicott was latched on to by Darren Overton and the converted striker slid Otago back into contention with a 48th-minute goal.
Then Rodeka stole the ball from Manawatu defender Nathan Cooksley and pounded a fierce shot past keeper Matt Borren to level the game 2-2 in the 69th min.
Otago was in complete control at that stage. Overton hit the woodwork and midfielder Mike Cunningham was having a blinder but it was Rodeka who grabbed the winner.
He raced on to a super cross from youngster Joel Stevens in the 83rd minute and clinched the 3-2 win, and three valuable points for Otago.
"We started slowly again, but were dominant in the second half," Otago coach Richard Murray said.
"Our keeper Peter Evans hardly touched the ball in the second spell.
"Otago's wing play and good quality crosses had Manawatu on the rack and, although our finishing was good, we should have scored another couple of goals.
"Overton, Rodeka and Cunningham were on top form, and the rest of the team responded with top performances all round."
The win moves Otago on to four points, sharing fourth place with Wellington and Hawkes Bay, which surprised Canterbury 3-0.
Otago's injury list should improve after a week off. Its next match is against Hawkes Bay on November 27.
Otago United Youth team lost 2-0 against Mainland yesterday.
Otago plays another away game against Manawatu next Saturday.
Football South Women slipped to a 5-1 loss against Mainland in Christchurch, despite a Mary Fraser goal.
Fraser is the second-equal goal scorer in the ASB Women's Youth National League.
Footballsouth has played some entertaining football but leaked goals and is at the bottom of the Southern Conference.
However, if the team stays together, it has a definite future at national level. The league finishes next week with a home match against Capital Football at the University Oval.
