Waitakere didn't enjoy playing away from home in last season's O-League, claiming only a point on their travels, so winning a tricky trip to Noumea is a huge boost to their confidence, especially after being reduced in numbers.
"It was obviously going to be difficult after getting a man sent off in the second half but I don't think they troubled us that much," Emblem said.
That extra degree of difficulty came when defender Tim Meyers was given his marching orders for a tackle from behind.
There was still half an hour to hang on but, after a tactical reshuffle, the visitors did so with relative ease.
"We changed our formation around and stood strong towards the end," Emblem said. "I think they were worried about our pace up front so didn't actually push forward that much."
For once, it wasn't Waitakere's pacey front three which put them ahead. Instead, midfielders Martin Bullock and Bale joined forces to fashion the opportunity, with former English professional Bullock crossing for Bale to nip in and head home.
It turned out to be all the offensive output Waitakere needed, as the home side saw plenty of ball in the closing stages without carving out many chances.
The result kept Waitakere on a collision course to meet rivals Auckland City in the O-League final, but Emblem wasn't looking too far ahead.
"We now have nine points from nine and have good control of the group."
