That wraps things up from here at Tribe, but thanks for joining us. This is Ryan Nixon (@NewYorkNixon) signing off.

It's a win that puts Auckland five points clear at the top, while Wellington will now be eight points back of them after their second defeat of the season. Both teams will turn their attention to next weekend, with Wellington at home to Macarthur, while Auckland travel to take on Melbourne City in another big clash.

There were some excellent performances across the park from Auckland FC, with Sakai leading the way, but being ably supported by Pijnaker, Felipe Gallegos, Cam Howieson and Alex Paulsen. As for the Nix, Kosta Barbarouses was one of their best, buzzing around with and without the ball, while Hideki Ishige, Sam Sutton and Scott Wootton were others to impress.

The Phoenix weren't going to die wondering though, even if their goal did come against the run of play. Alex Rufer won the ball in midfield before springing Kosta Barbarouses free, and his wonderful finish set the game up for a grandstand finish. Wellington threw everything they could at Auckland over the final 10 or so minutes, but couldn't find the second goal to steal a point.

On Auckland march, winning their sixth successive game to start life in the A-League! This was a gripping clash between the two Kiwi sides, with plenty of physicality in the challenges, feeling shown between the two sides, and an outcome that wasn't decided until the final whistle. Auckland probably deserved the win, creating the better of the chances throughout the game, and establishing a two goal lead thanks primarily to their phenomenal captain Hiroki Sakai. His first half cross was inadvertently turned home by Isaac Hughes, before a wonderful free kick delivery in the second saw Nando Pijnaker nod home to double the lead.

Auckland are happy trying to keep it in the corner, but Gallegos ends up conceding a goal kick.

SAVE! Auckland almost bury things, as they send Moreno forward down the left wing. He drifts inside of a couple of players, before firing a shot on target. Tipped over by Oluwayemi for a corner.

Late cameo for Piper, as he replaces Sutton.