A first-round win over powerhouses Christchurch United followed by a draw with defending champions Coastal Spirit had the Royals in a good spot to start the season.
However, yesterday marked four straight losses for the Dunedin club.
Ferrymead Bays are in good form this season and showed why they are second on the table.
They took a lead after seven minutes when Luca Marson picked up the loose ball about 30 yards from goal, and spotting keeper Alex Boomer slightly off his line, floated a shot under the crossbar.
It was nearly 2-0 five minutes later when an innocuous-looking handball was given as a penalty, but Boomer dove to his right to save the shot from Omar Cameron.
The Royals had opportunities to equalise as the first half progressed, with both Rob McKay and Louis Deaker narrowly shooting wide.
Bays went 2-0 up three minutes into the second half when substitute Jacob Killick scored from close range, and they threatened to extend the lead but were denied by the crossbar.
The woodwork also denied the Royals an opportunity in the 64th minute, when Mackay’s inswinging corner was cleared off the line, and from the next corner, Sam Drake hit the post.
The Cantabrians punished the Royals four minutes later when Daniel Thoms was given time to pick his spot and he made no mistake to make the final score 3-0.
Northern continued their good start to a debut season in the Southern League with a well-earned 1-1 draw away to Christchurch United.
Northern took the lead in the 24th minute, following three successive corners, the third of which United only managed to head clear to the edge of the box, where Zac Baird-Hodge volleyed home the opener.
United responded four minutes later when Oliver Grossi headed home from close range.
The point takes Northern to 10 points and third equal on the table after six rounds.
Wānaka travelled to play Coastal Spirit, and after a goal-less first half, Wānaka took the lead in the 49th minute through Wynn Skinner.
They held Spirit out until the hour mark before four goals in 23 minutes gave the Canterbury club a comfortable lead.
Dillion Kahale pulled one back for Wānaka in injury time to make the final score 4-2. - Neville Watson
