For several weeks there was a logjam in mid-table with only a few points separating four teams, but Otago faltered in the final matches.
Already missing the talented input of top striker Nathan Knox who left for Australia, and defector Phil Ruggles, Otago was struck by injuries to Tim Horner, Paul Seaman, Andy Coburn and Alistair Rickerby at just the wrong time.
To the team's credit, it played some exciting football to win three matches, and draw three, but other matches lost by the odd goal were critical. United coach Malcolm Fleming said the side had to value possession more and win the close ones to make the playoffs.
"We lost 0-1 to Waikato, and 2-3 to Hawkes Bay in matches that we controlled, and six invaluable points vanished," he said.
" And even in the last match against Waitakere with 10 men, we only lost 1-2 to the champions, and might have grabbed another point.
"The 0-0 draw with Auckland was another game we let slip, but again we failed to press home our advantage when we had it.
"Other draws with Waikato, and with Hawkes Bay were frustrating in that there could have been six points instead of just two but that's football."
Fleming said Otago's inconsistency was a problem, and failure to retain steady ball possession often gave the opposition chances that should never have happened.
"At the top level if you give the ball away easily, it means you have to work very hard to recover and defend. This puts great pressure on fitness, and can create a negative mindset."
But there were many positive aspects to Otago's play. The continued progress by Tristan Prattley into a top defender at left fullback, and he was a more than adequate centreback when required, was a definite plus.
A good athlete, Prattley was never dominated,and gave Otago a potent weapon with his runs forward and pinpoint crosses.
Tom Connor also emerged with consistent aggressive form at right fullback, especially in the latter stages of the season when many defenders had to step up and fill the gaps caused by injuries. Horner's continued presence would have made all the difference.
He is not the tallest centreback in the competition but he competed superbly in the air, and his reading of the game and support play was second to none. He was sorely missed after injury.
The Christchurch contingent and Aucklander Seaman were the glue that stuck Otago together.
Seaman, who has intimated that he would like to move permanently south for a coaching position, has a wealth of experience, and reckons he still has a few years left playing at top level.
The likes of Tom Sadd and James Reichwein have amassed great experience since early stints playing in the United Kingdom and in Canterbury football, and their strength and stability were invaluable this season.
Striker Knox was a match-winner, as he showed with his last-minute goal to beat to beat old rival Canterbury 2-1, while more recent signing Chris Anderson also showed out as a talented frontrunner.
Yet Otago's goal tally was not only disappointing at 15 goals in 14 matches, but the spread of scorers suggested the lack of an experienced specialist striker. Early on, Ruggles looked the part and was top-scorer with four goals.
A strong target man, he received well but lacked pace, and decided in mid-season to return north for a coaching appointment. Close behind on two goals were Knox and the revitalised Burgess who are a study in contrasts.
Knox made runs all over the park while Burgess lurked and then suddenly appeared with great effect. Coburn's milestone of having played 100 national league games is a credit to the skilful, durable midfielder.
He will be sorely missed as he relocates to Australia. Among the youngsters, Ant Hancock had the greatest amount of starts and, although a player of great promise, he has yet to confirm his potential.
Playing with his arm in a cast from a long-term injury did not help the young striker.
The rest of Otago's young hopefuls had their chances. Wherever possible, coach Fleming alternated his younger group into the crucible of national league.
Morgan Day is a whisker away from being a top player but James Govan has yet to recover the pace that made him a danger man. Matt Brook, with limited starts, showed real potential, as do Harley Rodeka, Sam Mepham and Curtis Day.
Most frustrated of the younger players was reserve keeper Callum Flaws, training in the shadow of Adam Highfield whose class between the sticks was an integral part of Otago's better performances.
The big keeper has had to work hard in all areas. His athletic saves, ability to cut out crosses and brave blocks among the boots, were exceptional, as was his communication with defenders in front of him.
As for next season ?It is hoped Otago improves on preparations made for last season. A standing start in previous ASB campaigns has not been the best.
Teams are already planning for next season and and, if Otago is to be a serious contender, the building blocks should be put in place now.
Otago United: 2010-11 season
Record
Played 14, won 3, drew 3, lost 8, goals scored 15, goals conceded 30.
v Waikato, Hamilton, 1-0 (loss)
v Hawkes Bay, Napier, 3-2 (loss)
v Auckland, Auckland, 0-0
v Wellington, Dunedin, 3-0 (loss)
v Manawatu, Palmerston North, 2-1 (win)
v Canterbury, Dunedin, 2-1 (win)
v Wellington, Wellington, 5-0 (loss)
v Waitakere, Auckland, 3-1 (loss)
v Waikato, Dunedin, 2-2
v Hawkes Bay, Dunedin, 0-0
v Auckland, Dunedin, 3-0 (loss)
v Manawatu, Dunedin, 4-3 (win)
v Canterbury, Christchurch, 3-1 (loss)
v Waitakere, Dunedin, 2-1 (loss)
Result
Finished seventh in eight team league.
Goalscorers
Phil Ruggles 4; Aaron Burgess, Nathan Knox 2; Andy Coburn, Ant Hancock, Liam Lockhart, Chris Anderson, Harley Rodeka, Paul Seaman 1 (plus an own goal against Canterbury).
