Auckland FC continue to adjust to ins and outs of the A-League but they played well enough to go five points clear at the top table following an entertaining goalless draw with Melbourne Victory.
The game was played in front of nearly 15,000 spectators at Mt Smart and quickly had defender Nando Pijnaker send a dipping volley narrowly over the ball from an Auckland set-piece.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Both sides had good chances to break the deadlock with Victory keeper Jack Duncan putting in an impressive performance to help the away side seal a valuable point in Auckland.
Defender Francis De Vries went closest to finding the back of the net but his powerful header was somehow stopped by Duncan on the line as both sides were forced to settle for a draw.
Socceroos winger Nishan Velupillay went oh-so-close to snatching a dramatic late winner for the away side but his shot flew inches wide of the far post in the 93rd minute.
The result moves the Auckland five points clear of second-placed Adelaide United who don't play until January 6th while Victory are now level on points (18) with the Reds in third place.