Football: Auckland victorious in warm-up

NZ player Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi. File photo / NZME.

Reigning champions Auckland City warmed up for the ASB Premiership with a win over Team Wellington in yesterday's Charity Cup.

A goal for Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi and a brace for fellow debutant Micah Lea'alafa gave Auckland a 3-0 victory at Kiwitea St, sealing their third Charity Cup in five years.

The home side's opener came after half an hour when Hudson-Wihongi got clear of the Wellington midfield to fire a low shot beyond goalkeeper Scott Basalaj. The young midfielder's fine all-round display impressed coach Ramon Tribulietx.

"This boy has got a bit of everything," Tribulietx said.

"He reads the game really well, he's technically very, very good, he's got a short, medium and long pass ability and he can also shoot - he's a good prospect for New Zealand football."

Auckland doubled their lead just before the break when Lea'alafa finished from close range.

Basalaj was kept busy and made some fine saves before Auckland clinched the spoils 20 minutes from time, with Lea'alafa finishing from a tight angle to complete a memorable debut for the Solomon Islander.

"We all know of Micah's ability," Tribulietx said.

"It took him a while to get used to the game and the physicality of it, but once he did that he showed he's capable of doing some very special things."