New Zealand’s All Whites were made to earn a hard-fought 2-0 friendly win against Western Pride before a capacity crowd at Briggs Road Complex.
The international side, preparing for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup, went ahead courtesy of an early Monty Patterson free-kick before Bill Tuiloma sealed the result early in the second stanza.
Pride produced a plucky performance in twice testing the woodwork while Bonventure Thomas-Remijo and Jacob Minett forced quality saves in the second half.
It was a mixed night for Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short who saved a Rory Fallon penalty in the 33rd minute before being forced from the field after a head clash on the stroke of half-time.
New Zealand's pre-tournament schedule also includes behind-closed-doors friendlies against Brisbane City and Redlands United.
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