Auckland FC have claimed local bragging rights again with a 3-1 victory over South Island United in the second North v South Island New Zealand derby of the season, at 4R Electrical Govind Park in Ba. 

One of two fixtures rescheduled due to inclement weather in Melbourne during Round 3, Auckland FC matched their win from the opening day of the Pro League season, twice making their opponents pay for poor defensive lapses - and bouncing back from just their second defeat of the season to Bula FC three days earlier. 

For South Island United, it's a defeat that leaves the door ajar for them to drop outside of a Leaders Group spot, should Tahiti United defeat South Melbourne FC in the second game of the day in Ba. 

Needing at least a point to make sure of their position in the top four, South Island United created the better chances through the early exchanges in a high-octane start.  

Twice Oscar Mason in the Auckland goal was forced into action, first getting down to parry a direct free kick effort from Jaylen Rodwell, before pulling off an incredible one-hand stop to deny Ry McLeod from close range. 

Some neat interplay through midfield created another chance for Oskar Van Hattum down the right-hand side of the box soon after, but he pulled his effort straight into the side netting on his right foot from the angle.  

They were made to rue those misses when the league leaders took advantage of a South Island mistake at the back. Three defenders failed to deal with a routine long ball, allowing Oscar Faulds to capitalise and convert past Steven Van Dijk in goal from a one-on-one position in the 28th minute.  

Auckland FC almost had a second before the break too, Matt Ellis forcing Van Dijk into a save from long range, and the keeper pouncing on the rebound, to keep it to just a one-goal advantage at the break.