A storming first half had Otago supporters roaring their collective heads off, as the blue team bravely adopted a high line of defence, and pressured the classy Waitakere United on to its back foot.
Young Taylor McCormack showed that selfless running could upset even the visitors' experienced back four, which chose not to play former local Tristan Prattley, Tim Myers and Jake Butler, who was away with the All Whites to Mexico, Waitakere player-coach defender Irishman Brian Shelley showed his immense experience of international football, calmly redirecting play and keeping possession, knowing his team had plenty of pace for counterattack.
Yet there were several scary moments as McCormack and Geordie Mansford burned energy in lung-bursting runs to force errors.
The bulk of Waitakere are experienced players, and kept cool heads. But none set a better example than 16-year-old Thai Sanseern Limwatthana, who in the heart of midfield proved skill counts more than age.
United's youngster, Aajay Cunningham, had a good hard-working game, but whereas Limwatthana played in a steady unit, Cunningham had to be more spontaneous. In the first half, Patrick Ebanda was the hub of Southern's controlled midfield play. The 35-year-old former Kiev professional showed controlled class on the ball, and earned high praise from Uehara.
''He hardly wasted a pass,'' the coach said. But it was the young legs of McCormack, Mansford and also the right-sided pair of Logan Wrightwebb and Nick Hindson that combined with pace and control to get behind the Waitakere defence.
Waitakere impressed with huge crossfield passes that threatened to unhinge United, and there was pace to spare as Jordan Lowden flashed forward, and midfielders pushed through.
Centre backs Peter Overmire and Cam Attwood maintained defensive balance and in his first match at national league level, Cam Higgins battled resolutely. But eventually, a swift Waitakere breakout caught Southern short and a driven left-wing cross was headed past keeper Tom Batty in the 43rd minute by Richie Cardozo.
It was cruel timing, since coach Uehara was preparing his halftime team talk, and thinking of introducing players that were possible match-breakers.
Frontmen Brazilian Henrique Viana and Regan Coldicott came on and later German defender Jacob Schneider entered the fray. But a second goal after 62 minutes gave Waitakere its safety margin, when Danny Morgan drilled in a through ball from Chad Coombes, and the scoreline sapped Otago's energy levels.
The impressive Cardozo should have scored minutes later with a deft chip that sailed wide. Then when he looked well covered, the Australian international slapped in a side-foot goal from a seemingly impossible angle to clinch the match.
''We knew it would be tough down here, so we enjoyed the size of the pitch, which allowed us to use our wide passing game,'' Waitakere coach Shelly said. ''I was pleased with our new signing Richie [Cardozo].
''He fitted in well and our Thai youngster, Sanseern Limwatthana, played like a veteran. And it is always handy to have pace from the likes of Jordan [Louden] in your team,'' the Irishman said. Mixed emotions clouded Southern coach Uehara's analysis.
''In the first half we closed them down really well, and made a few chances. But they are a good side and deserved their win.
''Matches like this are a learning platforms, and we will emerge the better for it. I thought Patrick [Ebanda] was a great example in control and patience. Also Henrique, although he wasn't involved enough, showed his awareness and skills, which will emerge even greater when he has had time to settle in.
''For spirit and energy the team could not be faulted. The spectators saw that, and will come back for more.''
ASB Premiership
The scores
Waitakere United 3
Richard Cardozo 2, Dan Morgan
Southern United 0
Halftime: Waitakere 1-0.
