The All Whites' build-up to next week's World Cup qualifiers took a step forward with a 1-0 win over a combined Napier City Rovers-Manawatu XI at Wanganui's Cooks Gardens last night.
"It was important to get a game like this but really, we need lots of games," said coach Ken Dugdale.
The only goal came after five minutes when Noah Hickey ran on to a diagonal ball from Aaran Lines and went around goalkeeper Hayden Englefield to score.
The All Whites had the chance to go further ahead when Lines was brought down but Englefield saved Scott Smith's penalty attempt.
"It was not perfect because the ground was soft," said Dugdale. "But it was a good workout."
Mark Burton and Mark Atkinson remained in Auckland for treatment and Kris Bouckenooghe was not risked.
The team will play a largely University Mt Wellington-based side at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday night.
