Danger lurks around every corner for clubs chasing honours in the Footballsouth Premier League, and there could be more slips and tripwires in this week's fixtures.
Last week, leader Technical faltered to a draw with bottom side Grants Braes, and earlier lost 2-1 to Roslyn-Wakari.
Second-placed Caversham has also lost to Roslyn and Technical, and third-placed Roslyn has dropped points to Caversham, Mosgiel, University and Northern.
Time is running out, with just five games to play, but Technical's five-point lead is unlikely to be whittled away, as coach Mike Fridge cracks the whip to also prepare for next week's Chatham Cup tie.
However, Northern will try to do just that at Sunnyvale today, despite the Magpies' recent record of five matches without a win.
Like all coaches, Steve Brook will hope for an early goal to upset Technical, and in roving striker Dave Henderson he has the wildcard that might oblige.
But Technical should be too solid and organised to offer even a chink of daylight in a big defence that oozes power and class, with Tristan Prattley, Tim Myers, Matt Joy and Liam Lockhart likely to close down most of Northern's raids.
Otago's ace striker, Aaron Burgess, ably assisted by Richard Smith, will be on the hunt to boost Technical's goal tally even further.
Caversham faces a tricky opponent in Queenstown, with the prospect of a snowy journey, and after conceding 11 goals last week, who knows what cavalier team will be produced this week by Rovers coach Steve Henderson?
Caversham polished up its act last week to overcome early resistance from University and then crush the students 6-1.
Roslyn has home advantage against a Green Island team which has risen Lazarus-like from dead bottom of the FPL with three consecutive wins.
Coach Rod Fleming was a classy striker in his day, and now with brother Malcolm assisting, and Green Island evergreen Kevin Scoullar in the wings, the lads at Sunnyvale are on a charge.
Roslyn has a paper-thin squad after losing Tim Mather and Max Pollak, but philosophic coach Colin Thom shrugged.
"It gives our young players a chance at FPL level, and will be an investment in the club's future," Thom said.
Invercargill side Spirit FC hosts Mosgiel at the Invercargill turf, where Mike McGarry's crew are likely to enjoy the smooth artificial surface to indulge the passing game that netted 11 goals last week.
However, any Southland side with its back to the wall after gaining only three wins from 14 matches will not lie down, and if player-coach Barry Gardiner is fit again, the match could be a possible upset.
Grants Braes was rewarded with a valuable point from Technical last week, yet still slid into bottom slot in the league. Opponent University is a class side, but the obdurate qualities of Braes might demand more than the scarfies are willing to give at the Caledonian Ground.
