The first half was more notable for a series of full-blooded challenges than genuine goal-scoring opportunities. Once such tackle left Auckland captain Ivan Vicelich clutching his ankle and, with the the trip to the Far East just around the corner, hearts were in mouths at Kiwitea St until the All Whites defender got back to his feet.
The game's first real talking point arrived on the half hour, when a cross from Auckland winger Daniel Koprovic was handled in the Hekari box. Exposito stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, but his weak effort was easily beaten away by Hekari goalkeeper Leslie Kalai. Albert Riera followed up for Auckland and he too was denied by Kalai.
Aside from the penalty save, Kalai was largely untroubled in the first spell. Auckland's only other true goal-scoring chance fell to Adam Dickinson on the edge of the box, but he blasted his volley over the bar.
Hekari didn't really threaten City's defence, either, with the Papua New Guinea champions' only real chances coming from high balls into the box, assisted by a strong breeze blowing toward City's goal.
Auckland did not need long playing with the wind in the second half to go ahead. In the 49th minute Exposito went from villain to hero, curling an exquisite finish into the bottom left corner of Kalai's goal from 18 yards.
The Hekari defence was opened up by Auckland with more regularity in the second half with Adam Dickinson, in particular, showing some nice touches. The final ball was too often amiss for Auckland, though, as the ASB Premiership leaders struggled to kill off the game.
Hekari on occasion showed same nice passing interchanges, and one such passage of play led to their best chance of the match. Koriak Upaiga found himself on the end of a move that began inside the Hekari half, before skipping past three Auckland challenges and into the penalty area. Unfortunately for the visitors, the fullback's last touch was too heavy and allowed Auckland to clear.
Fewer than 10 minutes elapsed before the danger of playing out from the back was illustrated. A Hekari defender was caught in possession by Exposito just outside the area, and the ball fell to substitute Tade who made no mistake in burying the ball into the bottom corner.
Hekari threatened to pull one back on a couple of occasions, but Auckland were saved an anxious final 10 minutes by some wayward shooting.
Auckland will welcome YoungHeart Manawatu to Kiwitea St next Sunday before attention turns to the Club World Cup. Today's performance, though, wouldn't have given the as-yet unknown J-League champions - Auckland's opposition in their first game in Japan - too much cause for concern.
