Auckland FC strengthened their position atop the A-League table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Macarthur Bulls at Mt Smart Stadium, extending their lead to five points.
Belgian midfielder Louis Verstraete secured the win in the 80th minute, nodding in his first A-League goal after a well-placed free kick from Francis de Fries.
The early stages saw Auckland take the lead through Neyder Moreno in the 9th minute, but Macarthur responded with a 19th-minute equaliser from Jake Hollman.
Auckland’s superior fitness once again proved decisive as they found a late winner, a quality defender Tommy Smith credited to their rigorous conditioning.
The league leaders now enjoy a bye before facing Western United on February 15.
