Southern took on Auckland in a catch-up game on yesterday's rest day, after it had been washed out on Saturday because of water flooding the turf in North Shore in the opening game of the week-long National Hockey League.
Southern made a slow start and was soon down 2-0, but then woke up and scored three quick goals to go into the halftime break 3-2 up.
Australian player Brett Garskie scored twice and Blair Tarrant added the other from a messy scramble in the circle.
Southern coach Dave Ross said the team tried to go on the offensive early in the second half to knock Auckland out of the contest but that approach did not go down well with the officials, who soon had Southern players on the sideline.
At one time, Southern was down to nine men, and the lack of numbers told as Auckland swung on to attack and knocked in three goals.
Ross said the referees appeared to lose control of the match, and Southern had four players sent from the turf at times during the second half.
Ross said Nick Elder and Kane Russell played well.
The side will take on Central today and Northland tomorrow and still sits in a good position to make the top four. It needs to win at least one of its remaining games to make the semifinals.
The Southern women had a rest yesterday and take on heavyweight Auckland today.
