Bozhidar Kraev celebrates his goal during the A-League men's game between the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City FC in Auckland. Photo: photosport
The unbeaten Wellington Phoenix have climbed to the top of the men's A-League standings with a 1-0 win over Melbourne City at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.
The home side's winning goal came just after halftime through a slick move to set up Bozhidar Kraev, before holding out a late charge from Melbourne City, highlighted by penalty save in the 74th minute from goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, denying the visitors' prolific striker Jamie Maclaren.
Paulsen was a standout figure throughout, even standing tall in the final act of the game when he produced a reaction save to a point blank-range from Terry Antonis.
Alex Paulsen makes a save for the Wellington Phoenix against Melbourne City FC. Photo: photosport
Bulgarian Kraev stepped up in the absence of injured star striker Oskar Zawada to score the crucial goal.
It completed a move that began when midfielder Mohamed Al-Taay provided a neat pass to David Ball, whose low cross found Kraev at the far post.
Kraev was nearly the villain when his foul conceded the penalty, when he brought down Hamza Sakhi off the ball in the penalty box, picking up a yellow card in the process.
The result continued Wellington's proud record in Auckland, where they've only been beaten once in 17 matches.
It could be their final "home" game in Auckland following the midweek announcement New Zealand's largest city will be home to an A-League franchise from next season.
It means the Phoenix - thriving under first-year coach Giancarlo Italiano - have notched three wins and two draws from their opening five games, their best start to any campaign.
Wellington's next game is away to Western United on Saturday next week.