Auckland United's Alexis Cook scores and celebrates the first goal of the National League Championship final against Southern United. Photo: photosport
A composed Auckland United scored a goal in each half to beat Dunedin-based Southern United 2-0 in the women's National League Championships final in Auckland on Sunday.
A clever lob from midfielder Maisey Dewell sealed the result in the 57th minute, with the home side having deserverdly hit the front through a close-range goal to 18-year-old Alexis Cook midway through the opening spell after some tight pressing from Rene Wasi.
Southern United battled to get back into the game and in the dying moments would have done if not for a brilliant save from Auckland United goalkeeper Aimee Hall from a long-range shot.
The two sides came into the decider at Mt Smart Stadium boasting identical form in the regular season - sharing a 7 wins-1 draw-1 loss record and a goal difference of plus-16.
Victory hands Auckland United their maiden national title and books them a place at next year's Oceania Women's Champions League.