Soccer: City grind out victory

Auckland City 2 Hekari United 0

The pre-match entertainment at Kiwitea Street featured a rousing rendition of Working Class Man and the Jimmy Barnes classic seemed to set the tone for the day.

There was plenty of effort and endeavour from Auckland City but a lack of real precision in their penultimate match before departing for the Fifa Club World Cup. Two second half goals sealed the points for the home side but Hekari had their chances and will be tough in the return game in March.

In the end it was the clinical finishing of City's Latin connection that proved the difference, as well as some typically redoubtable defending led by Ivan Vicelich. A gale force wind blowing down the pitch made it hard on both teams.

Auckland's passing and touch lacked precision and there was a lot of untidy moments. To their credit Hekari were quick to close the New Zealand team down.

City's Manuel Exposito should have opened the scoring after half an hour but pushed a weak penalty attempt that was parried away by Leslie Kalai. It was perhaps justice, as the decision looked harsh. There were precious few other chances in the first period, with a stinging 25-yard drive from Clifton Aumae that skimmed the City goal the highlight.

The game came to life with a lovely goal to Exposito in the 49th minute. He produced a perfect curling shot from just inside the penalty area, after a delightful build-up involving four players. After Exposito's goal, the tempo noticeably lifted. A glaring defensive error in the 73rd minute allowed Exposito to set up Emiliano Tarde, who placed his shot neatly in the corner from the edge of the area.

This Thursday Tribulietx will name his final 22-man to travel to Japan on November 28.

It is not yet known if Ivan Vicelich will make the trip - his wife is due to give birth to their second child around the same time - so the All White may travel a few days later. Waitakere United take on Fiji's Ba at 3pm today.

Auckland City 2 (M. Esposito, E. Tarde), Hekari United 0. Halftime: 0-0