Takapuna were lucky to snatch a 1-0 win over determined North Force Men in their Northern Region Football League first division match.
North Force player and coach Scott Burgess said neither side really deserved to win on Saturday.
"It was the type of game where everyone would have been happy with a
draw - it was really even. I guess what is pleasing for us, is that we stuck with them and they are second on the table," Burgess said.
North Force, who are ninth in the division, played well but were simply unable to find the goal.
Takapuna had a chance to score when they got a 19th minute penalty.
They missed their first attempt but the referee called for it to be retaken.
They missed again and the game went to halftime with both teams scoreless.
It stayed that way until Takapuna scored with 14 minutes to go.
Sanjay Singh at centre back and left midfielder Jeremy Rintoul worked hard on defence.
The Taylors, goalkeeper Leon and brother Aaron, were also solid.
This Sunday, North Force go up against table leaders Birkenhead at Kamo Sports Park, kicking off at 2.45pm.
Meanwhile, North Force Women started their match against Te Atatu in West Auckland, but the game was abandoned due to wet weather.
