Tribulietx said his side did what they had to on Sunday to handle the challenge posed by WaiBOP as well as their own recent playing schedule.
"We've played four games within a couple of weeks which is not easy, especially for amateur players but the way we've been playing has been pretty good - especially in the last couple of games," Tribulietx said.
"Today we played well for 60 or 70 minutes but it was a matter of putting the chances we created away but unfortunately we didn't do that. WaiBOP scored on their first chance which made the game a bit difficult for us.
"But we came back from that well enough going 3-1 up in the second half and hanging up in the last 10 or 20 minutes where I think our fitness was not as good as it should be."
Despite being forced to shuffle the pack in recent weeks with changes to the squad after their historic effort at the FIFA Club World Cup - including the departure of striker Emiliano Tade confirmed earlier this week - Tribulietx says the group have still been able to maintain forward momentum.
"We've got completely different personnel from last week and the Wednesday game as well. But the team has got a clear idea of how we want to play and that's good.
"No matter who you put in there, the team plays with the same sort of efficiency and ideas in possession and a lot of pressure out of possession. We've been able to cope with the changes and keep playing the same way which is good."
Meanwhile, Smith commented on a mixed bag from his side against Auckland City which he felt could have produced more than it did.
"We were frustrated at times, and that probably led to what happened at the end, but again I'm pleased with the effort the lads put in today," he said after the game.
"We scored a couple of good goals and went close to forcing another opening near the end, so I look at that and have to be pleased.
"Having said that, at times we didn't defend well on set-pieces; including two of their goals. That's disappointing, because we work on that at training. Despite that, we were in the game to the end so I guess it's a case of being pleased with most of what we did but frustrated with several key things."
Smith also praised the work rate of his side in difficult conditions. "It was hot today but the lads worked really, really hard. I can't fault anything on that front. They continue to put it in for us week after week.
"That's important and if we keep that going we'll keep the pressure on the other teams looking for those play-off spots."
Meanwhile, Canterbury United moved into third place with a 3-1 win over South Island rivals Southern United at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Having lost 1-0 to Southern United in the second round at ASB Football Park in Christchurch, Sean Devine's side got their revenge on Sunday with second half goals from Aaron Clapham and substitute Ryan Stanley getting the visitors home despite a late goal from Southern's Tom Jackson.
Earlier, Shawn O'Brien had given the visitors a 14th minute advantage with a 30 metre rocket that was too good for 'keeper Liam Little in the Southern goal.
In the rounds other matches Wanderers SC beat the Wellington Phoenix Reserves 2-1, while Team Wellington beat Hawkes Bay 1-0.
