Despite the result, it was great to see New Zealand's only professional football club taking the game back to the heartland. The Phoenix attracted a bumper crowd, similar to the sell-out against Fijian side Ba in last season's OFC Champions' League, with fans watching from every available vantage point at the complex but pristine ground.
It's a credit to the approach of new coach Merrick, who seems more open to facing local opposition, having already sent his side out against a New Zealand A selection during this pre season. It can be risky - the Phoenix have little to gain from such friendlies as they are expected to win convincingly and will cop some flak for the result - but it's great for the wider game.
The Phoenix starting line-up had an experimental look about it. Hernandez, Ifill and Kenny Cunningham didn't make the trip to Auckland and Merrick fielded four trialists as well as youth players Luke Adams and Joshua Brindell-South.
Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx opened with his strongest possible line-up, with former Croatian age group international Mario Bilen used as a shield in front of the central defence.
The ASB Premiership side carved out most of the early opportunities as the Phoenix took time to settle in the blustery conditions. Two of the best chances fell to Emiliano Tade, with the second in particular a regrettable miss, as he scooped the ball straight into the hands of Jacob Spoonley when clean through on goal.
Marquee signing Roy Krishna, playing in an unfamiliar left midfield role for the first 35 minutes also had some half chances, prompting one outstanding save from Jacob Spoonley.
The Phoenix's best chance in the first half fell to Ben Sigmund, his stinging drive from 12 metres was parried away brilliantly by Tamati Williams. It would have been a sweet moment for Sigmund to score in front of the home fans, as the All White spent several seasons at Kiwitea Street before he turned professional.
Vicelich limped out with a slight knock after 35 minutes, replaced by the impressive John Irving, who has arrived at the ASB Premiership club via Everton reserves, semi professional football in Wales and Northern League football in this country.
The Wellington side began to flex their muscles in the second half, with substitutes Tyler Boyd and Manny Muscat adding some impetus to the Phoenix attack. The A-League side had the better of the second half but struggled to make their possession count in the final third.
The Phoenix were virtually camped in the Auckland City half for the last half hour, though the Oceania club champions had late chances to Adam Dickinson and Alex Feneridis before Burfoot's stunning strike in the 86th minute.
From an attacking corner, the ball fell to Burfoot just outside the area and the former Western Springs player unleashed an unstoppable drive into the far corner of Glen Moss' goal. Dickinson also produced a great close range save from Moss two minutes later.
Auckland City FC 1 (Sam Burfoot 86)
Wellington Phoenix 0
HT: 0-0
