Despite Roslyn scoring first with a Cam Attwood goal, Northern competed well, and when the home side went further ahead through James Watson, coach Murray Devereux's side replied with a Norbert Dreyer goal.
Eventually, Roslyn gained relief when Damo Foster wrapped up the 3-1 score. Then it was handshakes all round, and the Roslyn players headed into their Ellis Park clubrooms decked out in resplendent fashion for the 125th celebrations.
Both coaches agreed it was not a classic match, more about honest effort. Some crunching tackles and aerial challenges kept the crowd entertained and referee Allan Martin on his toes.
At Sunnyvale, referee Richard Roberts needed a calculator as well as his whistle to track the score, as Green Island regained explosive form with a 12-1 demolition of Invercargill Old Boys. It was probably the highest score recorded in the FPL since Roslyn spanked Queenstown 13-1 in 2007.
The Invercargill side was not helped by goalkeeper Chris Marsh's second red card of the season. Paul Monteith replaced him between the sticks.
Rising star Joel Stevens bagged four goals for Green Island and Dan Morris scored a hat trick. Taylor McCormack (two), Lewis Jackson, Nick Vinicrombe and Dan Rutter completed the scoring. Old Boys' token reply was scored by youngster Callum Smith.
With a goal difference of 26, Green Island leads the table with 19 points, while on the same points total, Roslyn-Wakari has a lesser goal difference of 11.
Caversham also bounced back into the reckoning with a dominant 3-0 win over University, taking the club to third place on 17 points.
Tim Horner's side was always in control at the Caledonian Ground. Near-veteran Mike Smith closed down tricky Varsity winger Ifeanyi Unamadu, and Peter Rae was also given no room.
By contrast, Caversham attacked over a broad front. Ant Hancock scored after five minutes with a swivelling shot, Wil Smith doubled the tally early in the second half, and Tom Jackson took time off from hurling his giant throw-ins to clinch the result.
Tristan Prattley celebrated his return to Dunedin Technical with a goal in the 3-2 win over Mosgiel. Also on the score sheet were Victor da Costa and centreback Matt Joy.
Mike McGarry's Mosgiel side was below strength, and had to field several reserves. A slow start saw the Plainsmen go two goals down, but key players Regan Coldicott and Morgan Day hit back to tie the match at 2-2 before a late goal give Technical its win.
Technical moves into fourth place, level with Caversham on 17 points.
At Ocean Grove, Grants Braes supporters' roars could be heard from passing ships as Alan Laidler's side earned its first win of the season by beating Queenstown 2-1.
Patrick Ebanda and Ried Hulliman scored for the seasiders, and Tom Cairns got Queenstown's goal.
The Chatham Cup takes the spotlight today, with two ties at the Caledonian Ground. Northern plays University at noon, and Caversham fronts up to Old Boys at 2.30pm.
Dunedin Technical plays Grants Braes at Tahuna Park at 2pm, while Roslyn travels to play Queens Park in Invercargill. Other South Island clashes include Central Pirates v Nelson College, Halswell United v Cashmere Technical, Western v Ferrymead Bays, and Waimak United v Universities.
