"We have a week off now before we travel to Cambridge and the boys deserve a break- we have been working pretty hard since mid-January."
Northland had home field advantage at Tikipunga Sports Park as they looked for back-to-back wins for the first time in 2018.
They got off to the perfect start as Kyle Levell put a free kick in the right spot for Onerahi striker Russ, who continued his fine goal-scoring form to score what would be the only goal in the contest.
Attacking opportunities for either side were few and far between as the game descended into a middle-third battle of attrition.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Papakura searching for an equaliser but the Northland rearguard holding firm to ensure the win.
The result sees Northland climb to sixth in the Lotto NRFL Division 2, and the side now have a bit of momentum as they reach the midway point of the season.
While Northland FC have the week off, Johnston said players will take different options next weekend.
"Some players will want to play for their parent clubs in the Northland Premier League and we support that where we can, but this is an opportunity for most of our squad to recover from the slight knocks they have picked up during the season so far," he said.
The next Northland fixture is against Cambridge United on May 19.
Meanwhile Onerahi FC sent a message to every team in the Northland Premier League as they romped to a resounding 9-0 win over Kamo.
Mike de Vetter starred for Onerahi as his hat-trick led the way for his side as they dominated the contest from start to finish.
Daniel Hanmore scored a double while Paul Phillip Haag, Jordan Robinson, Caleb Reid and Cullen Morgan also netted.
Meanwhile Kerikeri Bay Builders maintained their strong run as they eased to a 4-0 win over Bream Bay United.
