The Wellington Phoenix beat visitors Adelaide United 2-0 on Saturday at Hutt Recreation Ground to briefly go top of Australian football's A-League for the first time in their history.
Phoenix players celebrate Nathan Burns' goal at the Hutt Rec Photo: Photosport
Those lofty heights were only held for a few hours as leaders Perth Glory drew 1-1 at the Melbourne Victory, but some New Zealand football history was made nonetheless.
Nil-all at half-time in what was in truth a scrappy encounter with clear chances hard to come by, it took til the 79th minute for new striker Joel Griffiths to score the game's opening goal, the substitute tapping home a low cross in a goalmouth scramble.
Nathan Burns Photo: PHOTOSPORT
That was quickly followed up by fellow Australian Nathan Burns' goal three minutes later, the Socceroo heading in a Roly Bonevacia free-kick uncontested, leaving Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic stranded and ensuring the Phoenix took all three points.
Phoenix fans applaud their team at the Hutt Rec Photo: Photosport
The victory, the Phoenix's 11th this season, takes coach Ernie Merrick's Wellington side to second place on 36 points, one behind the Glory, after 20 games.