All Whites defender Winston Reid made a winning return from injury as West Ham United claimed their first points of the season, beating newly promoted Huddersfield Town 2-0 this morning (NZT).
The victory gave some breathing space to under-fire coach Slaven Bilic who could finally celebrate his birthday.
A deflected strike by Pedro Obiang in the 72nd minute and a goal from Andre Ayew five minutes later, when he stabbed home a loose ball from close range after a corner, were enough to end Huddersfield's unbeaten start to the season.
West Ham were playing their first home game of the campaign after having to travel for their opening three matches because the stadium they moved into last season had been used for the world athletics championships in August.
"I've felt the pressure for a whole year now. It is maybe not logical for me to be under pressure after three games but it is modern football," said Bilic who was 49 on Monday.